When Can We Travel Internationally Again?

If you’ve really missed visiting other countries this past year due to the pandemic, you’re probably asking the BIG question:

When can we travel internationally again?

Don’t we all want to know.

But there are a few things we do understand about the upcoming year and the possibility of enjoying a trip far, far away. Here are several major issues that will factor into the answer. And, believe me, I hope it’s sooner than later.

When You Get the Vaccine

The first consideration is when you and your traveling companions are fully vaccinated. Are you a healthcare worker? You may be vaccinated as early as the end of January. An essential worker? You could be just a few months after. But most of the US population won’t be in line for their shots until late spring.

In my home state of Arizona, the general population can start receiving vaccinations in approximately April. That’s if things go as planned. (But if you haven’t been paying attention, hardly ANYTHING goes as planned in a pandemic.)

So, it may be more realistic to say those younger than 65 who aren’t a healthcare or essential worker will get their get-out-of-jail-free-card in June. And remember, the vaccine doesn’t instantly offer protection. Experts say you still must get both shots and wait seven days before you are protected-at 95%. (Johnson and Johnson’s not-yet-released vaccine only requires one dose.)

But knowing you are safe from getting sick from Covid-19 is the first step in getting ready to travel again.  

If you’re ready to try Europe, read up on 8 Secrets to Having a Fantastic First Trip to Europe.

When Your Destination Achieves Herd Immunity

The next significant factor in travel is when your destination achieves herd immunity. For instance, my husband and I are heading to Spain as soon as it is safe. But if their country hasn’t reached herd immunity, they may not want to let vacationers in yet.

(Here’s a list of where Americans can travel as of writing. It’s not a long list.) It doesn’t matter that the US will be at herd immunity in (hopefully) July/August. Spain may have a different roll-out experience and reach their population’s immunity level in October.

And Spain is a member of the European Union, which has supported vaccine research and will be among the first to receive doses. If you want to visit a country without an early vaccine, or a place with difficulties distributing the remedy among its citizens, they may not reach herd immunity until well after the US.

Bringing the fam along on your trip? Check out Top Tips for Taking Your Kids to Europe!

If Special Travel Exemptions are Made

But on the other hand, if nations are smart, they will allow some exceptions for visitors who are vaccinated for COVID. If you have had both shots, it’s doubtful that you will bring the disease in with you.

Although it’s important to note that vaccines prevent symptoms but MAY not prevent transmission, there isn’t enough data yet to understand the full effect. Travelers should show proof of vaccination in the future. Tech companies are working on creating apps for a vaccine passport.

One of the saddest parts of the Coronavirus epidemic is how people’s livelihoods have been destroyed. For many countries, tourist dollars help keep thousands of people in jobs. Hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions, tour guides, shops, and transportation companies all benefit from travelers.

It may be challenging for countries to coordinate, but I suspect some countries will open their borders to those fully vaccinated next summer. Airlines and (gasp) cruise lines are also encouraging any policies that allow travel to resume safely.

Three Perfect Days in London is an excellent read for those heading across the pond soon.

Other Considerations

Ok, keep these things in mind when considering travel for 2021. It will undoubtedly be another year like no other.

• No flight change fees-Hallelujah! Airlines have dropped change fees from all flights if you book in the first few months of 2021 and from non-economy flights for the rest of the year. (not necessarily a refund, but no fees to change flights) This may be one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic. So, it behooves you to get a move on with those travel plans! If you want to book something for late summer/fall, it’s easy to cancel and go next year if events don’t unfold as you’d like. Please note this is subject to airline discretion and could change anytime.

•  Flights may be cheap. Some experts are expecting terrific deals when international travel does resume. Not everyone will be ready to go yet, so airlines may need lower prices to tempt people to book a seat. But you know the airlines have suffered dramatically in the last year, so don’t expect deals to last too long. As soon as consumers feel comfortable, flights may quickly rise again.

•  Book with the airline. During the pandemic, we also learned that it’s much easier to change/cancel flight bookings when you bought directly from the airline. It may be tempting to purchase through an online travel agency, such as Expedia or Priceline. But if things go south, you will always have a better chance of getting your money back (or at least changing a flight) when you book direct.

•  Choose refundable hotels. Hotels can frequently be canceled on the property’s website or a third-party site, such as Booking.com or Hotels.com. But you typically have to pay a little extra to reserve the right to cancel. Pay it! This is the time to keep things a little flexible. The refundable nightly rate is typically less than 10% more, which is nothing compared to losing several hundred dollars if you need to cancel your trip. Better to pay a little upfront for a bit of peace of mind.

• Keep those masks handy. Health experts say we may need to wear masks and practice social distancing for many months to come. If you are traveling, follow the rules to keep yourself safe and respect those at your destination.

So, when do YOU think we’ll be able to travel again? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t miss these other great posts on travel to Europe!

How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe, Part 1

How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe, Part 2