Are you itching for an escape? We feel you. In what has been a long and often taxing year on all of us, the roll-out of a vaccine has been welcomed news amongst the travel industry. But before you jump on a plane or book that trip, you might be wondering what is different about travel in a post-pandemic world. And once you are fully vaccinated, what now?
While the vaccine means travel is bouncing back, some of the changes we have seen throughout the pandemic will stay the same. But the good news is we are on the right track. So if you have been fully vaccinated, does this mean you can travel? We have got the answers for you!
Can you travel after you are vaccinated?
What has come as a surprise to many is that travel to Africa is currently possible, with or without a vaccine. But the reality is that not everyone is willing to jump on a plane at a moments notice and it’s clear that travel will not look the same as it did pre-pandemic, at least for a while. This is because until there is proof that vaccinated people cannot transmit the virus, much of our current conditions to travel will remain the same. So while you can travel, you will still need to be willing to accept the new conditions, such as wearing face masks on planes and in airports, providing proof of negative tests before entry, and social distancing to protect those that are not vaccinated.
Is it safe to travel after you have been vaccinated?
So now that you know you can travel, the real question becomes should you? Health experts have confirmed that it is now safer to travel in light of the vaccination rolling out worldwide and our heightened measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Last week, the CDC released a press release stating that fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk to themselves. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine.
“With millions of Americans getting vaccinated every day, it is important to update the public on the latest science about what fully vaccinated people can do safely, now including guidance on safe travel,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
Vaccinated travelers are more protected
Health experts have explained that while the vaccine poses a huge opportunity to lower transmissions and protect those more vulnerable, it does not guarantee you will not contract the virus. But what it does mean is that you are less likely to see severe symptoms if ill. Infectious Diseases director Anthony S. Fauci has said it is reasonably safe for vaccinated people to gather indoors and unmasked—with other vaccinated people. So for the vaccine to prove effective, we need to see a high number of vaccinated people.
Masks are here to stay
So, what exactly will post-pandemic travel look like? We’re glad you asked! Some of the measures we have seen implemented throughout the United States to prevent the spread of the disease will be seen throughout the world. And that is particularly true for travelers in transit.
The question is not whether you should travel, but who you should trust to plan your trip?
How we travel in a post-pandemic world, and even now in the midst of the pandemic, is more important than ever. Planning your next adventure with a trusted partner is key so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be taken care of every step of the way.
If you are planning an escape to Africa, we are here to help you easily navigate the rules and regulations surrounding testing, vaccinations, and your ability to enter different countries. We have some clients who are ready to ‘dip their toe’ into travel in the coming months, and we have some who are currently abroad and are joking about throwing out their passports so their adventures in Africa will never end. We’re in the know and can help plan the perfect adventure for you and your group.
If you’re looking for the safest options, we can advise you. There are definitely some countries that are more appealing than others – for example, Seychelles is aiming for its population to be one of the first in the world to reach herd immunity. This has resulted in their announcement to accept non-vaccinated travelers.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.
