2021 Travel Restrictions: Tips for Planning a Summer Vacation

Planning summer vacations will include extra logistics this year. Just about everything will be slightly different to incorporate safety protocols, but travelers should take heart that protective measures don't eliminate the fun of being away.

Those planning a summer vacation should pay attention to CDC rules for COVID-19 testing. Currently, the CDC is mandating that all air passengers coming to the United States need to show a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight-even U.S. travelers returning home.

The CDC also recommends getting tested one to three days before you travel and keeping a copy of your results in case you need them.

Beware of quarantines when traveling. Most domestic destinations do not require travelers to quarantine, but the CDC recommends that those who do travel get tested three to five days after their return and to quarantine for seven days at a minimum and 10 days to be safest.

Depending on the spread of COVID-19, the CDC could update these guidelines or impose quarantine mandates, so summer travelers should keep this in mind when they are booking and have alternatives to their plans.

Some destinations may also require quarantines for arriving travelers. It is important for visitors to be mindful of these rules to avoid spreading the virus and incurring fines or even facing criminal charges.

Vaccines are almost sure to be more widely available by the time summer rolls around, and-hopefully-much of the population will be vaccinated by June.

Those who are vaccinated need to check what documentation they will need to show when traveling. Also, many travel protocols such as COVID-19 testing and mask-wearing will still be mandated even for vaccinated travelers.

It will be more important than ever to have travel insurance this summer. Since vaccine rollouts are just beginning and the U.S. is only just starting to get a handle on the pandemic, volatility will remain and plans may change at the drop of a hat.

Be sure your insurance plan covers incidents that can occur during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will still be important in most destinations to wear a mask when traveling this summer. Make sure that you bring required PPE with you so that you are protected while you are away.

Guidelines for social distancing will likely continue through the summer. That means that staying six feet apart and gathering only with members of your own household or travel bubble will likely be the norm when vacationing.

Be respectful and aware of local guidelines when traveling this summer. Some destinations have been hit harder by the coronavirus pandemic than others and, therefore, have enacted stricter protections for residents and visitors. More remote destinations have limited access to hospital services and also may have more rigorous protocols to protect against an outbreak.

Travel advisors do more than just book trips for clients. Advisors serve as advocates for their travelers when changes need to be made for bookings, when flights are delayed-and when pandemics break out. Now, more than ever, when travel is in a constant state of change, it's important to have someone on your side.

Booking a successful summer vacation may be turning to what is easy and accessible. If you are planning now, drive destinations are easier than flights. Vacation rentals allow for a lot of flexibility. All-inclusive resorts offer everything at your fingertips. Outdoor adventures are sure to be open and more likely to be safe.