To Go or Not to Go!

That's the question everyone is asking me these days. To be honest, I'm tired of being home and want to go somewhere, and I would like you to go as well, but before you go, make sure you consider all the options.

At the beginning of the year, I sent out a newsletter with the 2021 tour dates for Cuba, then a week later, the government announced changes to flight schedules and new regulations. Cuba reopened its doors to tourism back in November 2020 after a couple of months without new cases of COVID-19 and did not require tourists to have a PCR test before arriving on the island. This was a wrong business decision because then patients started rising up again and at a considerable rate. However, you can still travel to the island but keep in mind that you are required to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before your arrival. Also, there are limited flights as well. 

Cuban people in line to purchase food - Photo by Luis Sanchez

The People Need You!
The reality of the Cuban people can't be any harder. There are long lines to buy food, and the government's new prices make it even more difficult for them. All the stores that were accessible to people using the CUC (Cuban convertible pesos) have been changed to U.S. dollars, and most people do not have access to U.S. currency. Since the Western Union is no longer working in Cuba, it has become impossible to send money to families on the island. This is why tourists come to the island so important because it's the most important source of revenue for the country and, most importantly, the small business owners whom we support when traveling to the island. Should this be a viable option for you, then make sure to check out our tours and let me know when you'd like to get started on your journey. 

Other Destinations Open 
A lot of the Caribbean Islands and other Latin countries are open and waiting for you. Each country has it's own regulations in place to welcome tourism. 

Lets start with Costa Rica
One of the most beautiful countries in Central America with lush vegetation and full of most do activities. Here is what you need to know: No pre-arrival testing and proof of purchase of international travel insurance or travel insurance purchased in Costa Rica through the National Insurance Institute (INS). For international insurance policies, tourists must request a certification from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish, verifying at least the following 3 conditions: -Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to Costa Rica; - Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with COVID-19 while in Costa Rica, for at least USD $50,000; -Includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic. National insurances meet all the requirements to have coverage of medical expenses for illness.

Mexico
One of the most accesible destinations to US travelers has a lot to offer. From the beautiful beaches on the Riviera Maya to the coast of Los Cabos. There is NO Pre-Arrival Testing or Insurance Requirement but you are require to complete a "Questionnaire for Identification of Risk Factors in Travelers" on day of flight. Masks are mandatory in public in some states.
Travelers may be required to quarantine if they show symptoms and test positive for COVID-19. The Mexican-US land border is open to essential travel only. Travelers are allowed to enter Mexico by air.

Bahamas
With so many islands in one destination to check out, you'll be in for a treat with beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters.  You can make any of these Bahamas islands your home office for a few days while enjoying the Caribbean breeze. A Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test no more than 5 days prior to travel for travelers 11 years and older. The name and address of the lab where the test was performed must be clearly displayed on the test result. The cost for the Bahamas Covid-19 Health Insurance (included in the cost of the Travel Health Visa). A Travel Health Visa form must be completed and approved prior to arrival.  The cost of the Travel Health Visa is dependent on the number of days of the trip and includes the cost of the Bahamas Covid-19 Health Insurance which covers travelers for the duration of their stay.  Masks are mandatory in public. Travelers aged 11 years and older who are staying in the Bahamas for more than 4 nights and 5 days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on day 5. The results must be submitted to the Ministry of Health online via the health travel website. 

Dominican Republic
One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic with so many American taking off to the Hispaniola island to take advantage of its natural beauty. The longest white sand beach of Punta Cana or the lush and friend side of Puerto Plata. Whichever part of the island you choose to go, you won't want to comeback. No pre-arrival testing or insurance requirement before departure but you have to complete the electronic entry and exit form which combines the Traveler's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms before arrival and before departure.  Masks are mandatory in public. Temperature screening is required on arrival. Travelers with a high temperature will be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test. Should you test positive, you will be required to quarantine at a designated facility.   Authorities will also randomly administer a quick breath test to between 3% to 10% of passengers upon arrival.

Barbuda and Antigua
The tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located in the heart of the Caribbean about a thousand miles to the east of Jamaica and half that distance from Trinidad on the coast of South America.  Barbuda became separated from Antigua by about 28 miles, when the sea-levels of the world rose considerably at about 10,000 BC. Today parts of Barbuda are geologically flooded to form interesting lagoons. Here may be seen the largest breeding and nesting colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird in the world. Barbuda supports a tremendous diversity of native habitats, as yet unthreatened by development. Reef-fringed Barbuda may be one of the best kept ecological secrets in the West Indies. Her rugged scenery, beautiful beaches, (one at least 12 miles long), lagoons and abundant wildlife may be a resource as valuable as its fisheries.  A Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test from a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab within 7 days of travel for travelers 12 years and older. No insurance is required but you have to provide the Completion of Health Declaration Form in-flight.  Masks are mandatory in public. All arriving passengers will be monitored for periods of up to 14 days in accordance with the directions of the Quarantine Authority and the Quarantine (COVID-19)

St. Lucia
Saint Lucia’s history is a rich tapestry. For hundreds of years, the island has been a melting pot of cultures; in many ways, it was a gateway to the New World. Subsequently, the island has a strong sense of heritage and cultural identity that locals vigorously celebrate to this day. Immerse yourself in Saint Lucia’s story, from her colorful pirate history and her colonial past to the deeply held customs of her people. A Negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test within 5 days before arrival for travelers 5 years and older.  No insurance is required but you have to Complete Travel Registration form (at least 7 days prior) form and Health Screening form (printed copy of completed forms required for arrival). Applies to travelers 18 years and older.  Masks are mandatory in public. All travelers are required to have confirmed reservations at a COVID-19 certified accommodation provider for the duration of their stay or have a pre-arranged stay confirmed at a Government operated quarantine facility. Travelers are required to remain on the hotel property for the duration of their stay except to transfer to another certified property to continue their stay, or to participate in certified activities, tours, and excursions.

US Virgin Islands
Either of one of the US Virgin Island will make you feel like you are in another country literally. Each island has its unique charm, history and culture but most of all its beautiful beaches. All travelers arriving from other U.S. territories or states, aged 5 years and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 antigen (rapid) or molecular (RT-PCR, viral, NAAT) test taken within 5 days before their departure to the US Virgin Islands. Travelers can also present a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within 4 months before their departure. No insurance required but you have to Complete the online Travel Screening Portal within 5 days of travel.  Masks are mandatory in public. Travelers who do not have the required negative COVID-19 test results, and those ordered to quarantine, will be required to quarantine at their own cost for 14 days or until they are able to receive the required negative test result while in the USVI.
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And many more other destinations are open for you to go and explore. Should you need more information regarding other destinations not listed here, reach out to me and I'll be happy to provide some guidance. You can always check the official destination website for more information. 

Should you be ready to go to Cuba or any of the destinations listed above, CONTACT Me today to get started! I'm available via Email, WhatsApp, Call or you can use the contact form here on my website.
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About Sheyla Paz
Sheyla was born and raised in Cuba. Moved to the United States 20 years ago after meeting her husband at her beloved island when she was performing with a band at the Riviera Hotel in Havana. She is a Journalist, Actress, Producer, and  Photographer with a passion for travel. Sheyla launched the tour agency to Cuba out of her desire to share her culture, music, dance, and the architecture of her homeland with others. Her agency provides travel arrangements to all Latin countries and Caribbean islands. She has several award wining short films and was recognized as a leading media personality in the Latino community in Tennessee with the award “Beacon of Light” in 2019. Sheyla was one of the few Cuban-American journalists selected to travel to Cuba with President Barack Obama in 2016 as part of the White House Press Corp.

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