Since COVID-19 became a global pandemic in March, the travel industry has taken a major hit. And it's understandable that many people still aren't traveling, even with borders open and stay-at-home restrictions lifted. But, for those of us who live abroad, enjoy taking trips, or have loved ones in other countries, travel during pandemic times is a hard but necessary decision to make.
I'm one of the brave—and to some, crazy—souls who decided to travel shortly after borders reopened. I had my reasons, and so do others who have made the choice to go abroad even with the pandemic still looming. Here are our stories:
(Quick disclaimer: This is in no way meant to encourage travel at this time. It's simply a resource to inform and engage those who might be considering it.)
Image courtesy of Janell Hazelwood
Why I Chose to Travel During a Pandemic:
Janell: I've been in a long-distance relationship for three years, and not being able to see my fiance for months on end became devastating. Jamaica was like a second home, and frequent travel there had been my saving grace. I'd self-isolated for the whole month of March, and I'd been working from home even before the pandemic. I really didn't leave the house—even in the months thereafter—except the occasional walk around my yard or visit to the patio. When I needed food, toiletries, or groceries, I'd just have them delivered and left at my doorstep.
The pandemic brought a lot of hardship to my life, including loss of income, client reductions, and bouts of severe depression. I had flight credits, tickets that could be adjusted, and I was in good health. (I hadn't even had a common cold.) By September, the Jamaican government had reopened borders, so I decided to just go.
Jonathan: I've been in the hotel industry for the past 13 years. In March, I was furloughed as a result of COVID-19 and [was later] terminated. I had planned a trip to Peru in March and the week I was scheduled to depart, they closed their borders. Furthermore, I had planned a five-country tour to India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Hong Kong in April. Needless to say, that was canceled. So COVID changed my life personally and professionally.
I needed a mental break—with being furloughed, moving to a new city, being forced to stay in the house, and the racial tension. That was a lot of trauma to experience first-hand. I needed a quiet place to lick my wounds, recharge, and reevaluate some things.
Francesca: When the pandemic hit, I had plans to return to the Caribbean in time for carnival season. I am a full-time travel and lifestyle influencer, and I cover Caribbean travel pretty extensively. It was shocking to see borders close almost overnight. Some were giving as little as 48-hour warnings before halting flights.
"It was like my whole world changed overnight. It became especially painful as countries started announcing various travel bans."
I wanted to get back to see my partner in Martinique. We had been separated for so long, and I knew once borders started to open that I had to act quickly because just as soon as they had opened, they could very well close again.
Photo by Willy Joseph-Louis
How to Prepare to Travel in a Pandemic:
Janell: Initially there was a bit of confusion on my part about the process. Early on, I'd heard rumors that you needed to download an app and get a COVID test before your trip, but I thought that was only for certain states. I was wrong. There indeed was—and still is—a pre-approval process for all travelers coming from the U.S.
Long story short, instead of confusing myself further by relying on YouTube videos and travel discussion threads, I went to the official authorities via VisitJamaica.com. This was the most detailed, accurate, and up-to-date resource. I had to get a COVID test, submit an application online with the negative test results attached, and then wait. The website indicated that it would take at least 48 hours for review, which was nerve-wrecking. It actually took four days, and I had to push my flight date back (yet again). I didn't mind because I'd be there for a little over a week, so losing a day or two wasn't a big deal.
The travel authorization was sent via email, so I screenshot it on my phone. I also printed out a copy of my negative PCR test, which was the test required at the time to move forward in the authorization process. I downloaded the JamCovid19 app just in case I'd be required to use it. (For more information on travel guidelines and restrictions, you can also visit the U.S. State Department site or the CDC website.)
Image courtesy of Jonathan Curry
Jonathan: I went to Tulum, Mexico. [At the time], they didn't have any restrictions on travel nor did they require a COVID test to enter. The process was very seamless. I made sure I read all of the current government standards of the country. I packed several masks and Clorox wipes to wipe down my seats and table.
(For more information on current travel restrictions or requirementsin Mexico, please visit the U.S. Embassy and Consulates website here or the U.S. Department of State website.)
Francesca: I did a lot of research before booking my flight. I was more concerned with safety protocols than I was with flexibility. Ultimately it came down to two different airlines, and I ended up choosing the one that had a blocked middle seat over my usual airline where I accrue miles.
I brought a mask, of course, plenty of hand sanitizer, and my own food. Receiving a negative COVID test 48 hours before flying also gave me great peace of mind. I could assume that since it was an entry requirement, everyone I was traveling with most likely was negative as well.
(For more information on travel requirements and restrictions in Martinique, visit the CDC website or the U.S. Department of State website.)
Photo by Willy Joseph-Louis
What to Expect at the Airport & Upon Arrival:
Janell: I could not check in for my flight online, as I typically do. It was not allowed for international trips. I had to wait for the desk to open at the airport and check in with an associate. Other than that, the airport process and experience in the States was the same as it had always been except there were less people, you had to present your authorization document, and there were masks and social distancing requirements.
Upon arrival in Jamaica, I was delightfully surprised. The lines were typical but there was social distancing and an extra process added to the usual ones that involve customs and baggage claim. I'm always prepared to spend at least an hour at the Montego Bay airport during normal circumstances, and the extra process of checking my travel authorization document, getting information about my health and lodging plans, and listening to instructions on how I would quarantine only took an extra 30 minutes or so.
The officials and airline workers were kind, straight-forward, and efficient. My temperature was taken, and I was given a form with information on quarantining. I was also instructed about the "resilient corridor" limits I was to remain within during my stay and told what to do if I suddenly had any symptoms of COVID. (I wasn't told to download or use the app. I'm not certain as to why, but I kept it on my phone anyway. I suspect it was due to my length of stay and my choice to book at a compliant hotel.)
The experience was the total opposite of the nightmares of three-hour waits, scary soldiers, and double testing that I'd heard about.
Jonathan: Outside of the mask mandate, the airline didn't have any other restrictions in place. Fortunate for me, the middle seat was empty next to me and another young lady occupied the window seat. The flight was about 65-percent full. The airport was quiet, all the lines were very short, and there were limited food options in the concourse. You could cancel and get a flight credit with the airline.
Once I arrived, I had to keep my mask on throughout the airport. They had markers [6 feet apart] on the floor to make sure you weren't too close to your neighbor. Once through customs, I went through a non-intrusive temperature scan.
Francesca: I was impressed by how strictly the airline was enforcing their mask policy. I heard that they had added nearly 100 people to their no-fly list for non-compliance. They meant business!
I found that once it came time to fly, the airport was surprisingly empty. I think I interacted with less people throughout the flying experience than I do going grocery shopping.
Photo by Willy Joseph-Louis
The Trip Experience:
Janell: Typically, I'm able to go wherever I want, and I'm all over the place. I might be in Kingston one weekend, Negril, Savanna-la-Mar, Hanover, or Lucea the next, then off to Montego Bay. That totally changed. It was literally like a ghost town compared to the usual, and a curfew was being enforced. Though I did not have to download the app and check in via video, I didn't feel comfortable going anywhere other than the nearby beach, adjacent shops, the hotel pool, and back to my room. My fiance would bring food or we'd order in. The cleaning staff disinfected my room daily, the few people on site practiced social distancing, and everyone wore masks. (Negril Beach Club is actually a favorite of ours and the vicinity to Seven Mile Beach is divine.) I also noticed that most places required temperature checks and hand sanitizer use before allowing tourists to enter.
At my hotel, the vibes were super-mellow—even for Jamaica—and there were hardly any other tourists to talk to or at least be around—even at a distance. It got a tad boring and monotonous after three days because I'm used to being able to go on excursions or local adventures, however, I remembered why I was there—to spend time with my fiance. That was good enough for me. Due to quarantining, I was also able to watch the landmark general elections on TV with him and witness the honking cars and small celebrations from our balcony—a historical moment for us to share.
Image courtesy of Janell Hazelwood
Jonathan: Tulum still had some action when I first arrived, however beaches closed at 5pm and there was an 11pm curfew.
Francesca: My experience landing was a bit strange because I'm used to landing at an airport and being immediately surrounded by people. There were no large groups eagerly awaiting loved ones, and the airport was nearly empty. I was pleased to see the people who were present were wearing masks and respecting social distancing guidelines.
Travel Tips for Traveling in a Pandemic:
Do your research. Don't just rely on hearsay or online videos. While they might be helpful, look to the official authorities about what's required for travel and the recommendations based on where you want to go. Also, pay close attention to the cancellation, business hours, or booking policies of hotels, airlines, major attractions, and travel agencies.
If you're required to pre-test for authorization, be sure to get the correct test at the correct time. As of recent, test results can't be more than 10 days old and there are specific types of tests required. Ask your healthcare provider or test administrator lots of questions and make sure you're getting the correct type at a certified center or lab. Print out your results and authorization as well.
Go with an open mind and release the selfish vibes. COVID-19 is still very real, and the fears of locals are warranted, so if you're not able to freely do the things you're used to doing on vacation, make the best of it. Be grateful for the front-line workers serving you at the hotels, beaches, airports, and restaurants, and show that gratitude by tipping well and following protocols.
When in doubt, just stay home. If it's not an emergency or there's so much involved with planning that it causes you and your family unnecessary stress, wasted time, and extra money, reconsider traveling at all. Many airlines, hotels, and travel agencies are offering options for cancelling or rescheduling trips, and to be honest, this might be the time to do a domestic solo trip in your town or to focus on other goals.
Jonathan:
Have a plan B. With restrictions returning, have another plan just in case things get canceled.
Assess your tribe. [This is] your community that you come in contact with on a daily basis. Is anyone in your tribe high-risk as it relates to COVID? Are you able to quarantine in isolation if you contract it? We all have to do what we feel is best for us while still considering the community we will return to. Get yourself tested before and after travel, for your own safety and the safety of others.
Francesca: The No. 1 thing is to comply with local health regulations and consult official websites frequently. The situation is constantly evolving, and staying on top of it is critical. And please, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently!
For more of Janell, Jonathan, and Francesca, follow them on Instagram @janellirl, @thejonrobert, and @onegrloneworld.
Featured image by Shutterstock
RELATED
Yep. Today, I’m going to share some of the beauty-related benefits that come from some of summertime’s most popular fruits, along with a couple of ways (for each) that you can incorporate them into looking your best, whether you’re going on a girls’ outing, you’ve got a hot date or you simply have some beauty goals that you want to achieve before fall rolls around.
The Beauty Benefits of Summer’s Juiciest Fruits
1. Watermelon
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Since “water” is literally in the word, I’m thinking it doesn’t surprise you very much that watermelon is made up of 92 percent agua. This means that, off top, it’s great for hydration. Aside from that, though, watermelon is a fruit that reduces inflammation in bones and joints while decreasing muscle soreness (if working out is your thing). Watermelon also contains vitamins A and C to keep your skin in good condition and, since it has a good amount of fiber in it too, watermelon can also help to detox your system.
If you’re looking for an all-natural toner, this DIY Watermelon Cucumber Face Toner recipe (here) uses the Vitamin A in watermelon to brighten your skin along with the antioxidants in cucumber to rejuvenate it. You can also try a DIY Watermelon Face Mask (here); it also contains plain yogurt that helps to deeply moisturize your skin, protect your skin from damaging skin rays and it can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Mangoes
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Stringiness aside, mangoes are definitely one of my favorite fruits, so it’s a real bonus that it’s good for me (and you) on the beauty tip. The vitamin C in it will help your skin to produce collagen, so that your skin looks young and vibrant. The copper that it contains can help to slow down premature graying (check out “This Is How To Naturally Treat Premature Greying”). Its vitamin B6 improves your skin’s elasticity while its vitamin E content can increase blood circulation to your scalp, so that your hair is stronger.
Got an unexpected pimple that you want to speed up the healing process of? Try the Mango-Rose Water Cleanser recipe (here). The vitamins A (that it also has), C and E will soothe the zit while the raw milk in the recipe will deeply moisturize and the rose water will help to reduce the inflammation. On the other hand, if you want to deep condition your hair, you can do so with the Mango Butter Hair Mask recipe (here). The recipe calls for eggs that contain protein to strengthen your hair and mango butter that will soften your locks. Speaking of mango butter, if you want to experiment even more with it, check out Humble Bee and Me’s “10 Recipes to Make with Mango Butter.”
3. Strawberries
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I don’t know about y’all but, to me, few things taste better than strawberries and fresh whipped cream — and the fact that they’re another warm weather fruit that is actually good for you? Lawd. Although they technically are more of a late spring fruit as far as seasons go, you can still find them at your local grocery store and even farmers’ market. Good thing too because strawberries are made up of 91 percent water and are another good source of fiber and vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory properties in strawberries are good at fighting acne and the malic acid in them can help to prevent teeth discoloration.
As far as your oral health goes, while eating fresh strawberries is good for you, if you’ve read that brushing your teeth with a combination of strawberries and baking soda is all the rage (as far as teeth whitening is concerned) — yeah, you might want to be careful with that. Since strawberries are highly acidic and baking soda can be somewhat abrasive, the combo, long-term, can lead to thinning enamel.
Instead, use strawberries for things like making your own DIY Strawberry Smash Moisturizer (here). The cocoa butter in this moisturizer will deeply hydrate your skin as well as soften the appearance of stretch marks and minor scars while the aloe will soothe and reduce skin symptoms that are related to psoriasis and eczema. Another cool strawberry recipe? How about the Strawberry Shortcake Lip Scrub DIY one (here)? Talk about a delicious way to keep your lips super soft and smooth.
4. Apricots
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If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between apricots and peaches, apricots are smaller and not as sweet as peaches are; in fact, they have a bit of a tart taste to them. Your skin will like them because they contain a fair amount of vitamins A, C and antioxidants to keep your skin radiant and glowing. They are made up of around 85 percent water which will help to keep your hair, skin and nails hydrated; plus, the high amount of fiber in your gut can help to keep you regular, so that your breakouts are decreased.
If you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin, try making your own Apricot Scrub (here). A recipe that contains honey will help to lighten your skin and fade acne scarring while the fresh lemon juice will help to remove acne-causing bacteria and boost collagen levels in your skin. Speaking of scrubs, the Apricot Lip Scrub (here), although it calls for apricot oil rather than the fruit itself, is another way to keep your lips super soft all summer long.
5. Cherries
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Although they seem to be costing an arm and a leg out here this summer (SMDH), hands down, another one of my favorite summer fruits are Bing cherries. Since they’re filled with fiber and they’re a pretty good source of vitamin C, copper, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, I’m sure that you get that these sweet treats are great for your system overall. What they can do for you, as far as your beauty goals go, is fight any cellular damage that is in your skin, they can help to speed up the healing process of breakouts and they also contain sleep compounds, so that you’re able to get the beauty rest that you need.
Is your skin super dry? You might want to try this Nourishing Cherry & Peach Mask for Dry Skin recipe (here). I’ll explain what the peaches can do for your skin in just a moment. For now, though, another ingredient in this mask is extra virgin olive oil; that is bomb because it deeply moisturizes, helps to reduce signs of aging and it gently yet effectively removes make-up (if you’re worried about some of it clogging up your pores).
Another cherry-related beauty hack? You can get your skin ready for your swimsuit with this Cherry Vanilla Body Scrub recipe (here). The granules of the sugar will help to remove dead skin, the coconut oil will moisturize, soften and even your skin tone and the sweet almond oil will reverse sun damage and even soften the appearance of stretch marks.
6. Limes
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Maybe it’s just me, but I personally think that when it comes to cocktails and mocktails, limes make them so much better. You should consider adding them to your beauty regimen because limes are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants which are both really good for keeping your skin youthful. Since they also help your system to absorb iron, if your goal is to grow longer locks, lime can help in that department too (since iron deficiency and hair loss are connected).
Oh, and if you’re looking to shed a few pounds this summer season, lime water can help with that too. That’s because the citric acid that’s in limes can help to increase your metabolism and prevent as much fat from storing up in your body.
Looking to clarify your hair on wash day? This Revitalizing Lime Hair Rinse recipe (here) is just what you need. The combination of the lime juice and apple cider vinegar that’s in it will remove the build-up that’s on your scalp and in your hair without over-drying it. Something else that could be fun is this Vanilla, Coconut, Cocoa and Lime Lip Balm recipe (here). All of its ingredients can help to keep your lips really smooth and very kissable from sunrise to sunset.
7. Peaches
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There is nothing like digging into a sweet and juicy peach! Fiber aside, two things that this fruit has an impressive amount of are vitamin A and potassium. Aside from the skin brightening that I mentioned earlier, some other cool things about vitamin A is it helps to prevent (or reduce) skin sagging, it’s pretty effective at treating psoriasis and it also decreases damage that UV rays tend to cause. Potassium? Potassium is cool because it helps to keep your cells well-hydrated, your bones (including your teeth) nice and strong and it also builds muscle (as you’re working out).
If you’ve got a date coming up, pamper your skin with a Peaches & Cream Facial Scrub (here). The oatmeal in the recipe is a powerful exfoliant and skin moisturizer. When it comes to your hair, apply this really simple Peach Hair Mask recipe (here). Peaches are a wonderful moisturizer overall and besides, just imagine how delicious your locks will smell after using it!
8. Melons
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Whether it’s cantaloupe (which is made up of a little over 90 percent water) or honeydew (which has the same amount of water in it as cantaloupe does), you’re in for a refreshing treat if you like either one. And the cool thing, beauty-wise, is both of these melons are full of vitamin C and antioxidants to keep your skin thriving. Something else that both cantaloupe as well as honeydew have in them are electrolytes; electrolytes are good for your skin because they both moisturize it as well as help to strengthen your skin’s barrier.
If you’ve got 4C-type hair, your strands will be all about the DIY Melon Hair Mask for 4C Hair recipe (here) where the combination of the melon puree, coconut oil and essential oils will deeply condition and strengthen your hair. Skin-wise, a Melon Lime Toning Mask (recipe is here) can tone your skin with the help of two basic ingredients: your choice of honeydew or cantaloupe and lime. As a bonus, another all-natural beauty treat is the Cucumber Melon Lotion Bar recipe that consists of cucumber melon fragrance essential oil (here).
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Excuse the pun but…pretty cool, right? If you’ve been wondering what to do with the little bit of summer fruit that you have left, now it has another purpose: bringing out the best in you, beauty-wise.
Just one more than to love about summer, right? I totally agree.
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