Global Health Travel Update - April 2021
A travel update on the the global health crisis as the safety of our customers is always our biggest priority. As of April 2021 the Covid 19 pandemic continues to make travel challenging. Many countries this Spring are facing a third wave of infections and some have gone back into lockdown or have restrictive entry. There are a few exceptions but the situation is fluid, contact us for the latest update.
Vaccine roll-out has also been slow in Europe and in many other places. Egypt is currently open for Nile cruises (at reduced capacity) and all tourist sites are open. A negative PCR test is required to enter the country.
Future Travel Planning
If you are thinking about planning future travel in 2021 or 2022 please contact us to get the latest, country specific, travel advice as the situation is changing frequently. Delaying travel until either you can get the vaccine or until vaccine distribution becomes more widespread is sensible. Private tours or charters are also a great idea and can be arranged upon request.
With that said our cruise and tour partners have put in place Covid 19 health protocols and have flexible cancellation and rebooking arrangements.
Testing Requirements Re-entry to USA
To help you with your travel planning please be aware from January 26th 2021 a negative Covid 19 test is required for re-entry back into the USA.
For more information contact us:
Phone: 1800 770 7148 (Eastern Standard Time)
Email: info@bluedanubeholidays.com
Places we recommend to get good travel planning and information include:
- International Air Transport Association
- World Health Organization
- US State Department
- European Commission
- UK Department of Health and Social Care
Checklist for Travelers
- Contact us to discuss your travel plans, where and when you propose to travel.
- Be sure your passport has 6 months validity, dated from the end of your trip.
- Check your government's Covid 19 travel advisory for the destination country you plan to travel to. Be aware of what testing and vaccination is required.
- Check the Visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to or call us to get clear advice on travel planning timelines.
- Print your vouchers and all other travel documents and pack them in your carry on luggage.
- Don't forget travel insurance. Find a range of great travel insurance options for North American residents Here.
- Some tours includes airport pick up and drop off. If you would like this service, please contact us.
- Most group and private tours allow one bag per participant and 1 piece of hand luggage. Check with us for more.
- For early flight arrivals, the room may not be available until check in time (often after 2pm). Early check in can be requested, however, it is contingent on the hotel’s occupancy on that day and cannot be confirmed prior. The hotel reception will store bags and make available seating areas and in many cases a restaurant for refreshments. Reception will be happy to give directions to a local restaurant or café. Getting out on foot is a great way to orient yourself to a new city.
- Extra night’s accommodation and city tour packages are also available on request.
- If there are special attractions, you want to see on your “leisure days” be sure to mention them to us or to your tour director so arrangements can be made.
- If WIFI access is important to you check with us beforehand as some tours /cruises/hotels offer this as part of the package and others do not.
Be Prepared for Differences
- For an authentic dining experience search out the local coffee shop and restaurants waiting for you right around the corner from your hotel. Even if you don't speak the language, be brave and head on in you won't regret it. Supporting locally owned businesses is good for you and them.
- Irons and kettles are not always provided in every hotel room but if you ask they will likely provide one.
- On some tours you will stay in boutique hotels that were built centuries ago and often do not have elevators. You may have to carry your own bags so pack light. Save some space for souvenirs and gifts.
- On group tours there will always be the straggler, who has difficulty being on time or elderly people who just don’t move as fast. You are on holiday so relax and please be patient and kind.
- Wear sturdy comfortable shoes. In Europe cobblestones are everywhere plus the sidewalks are often narrow. In Egypt dust and sand predominate.
- Pack smart casual clothing for comfort and to layer. Europeans dress smartly for dinner. Shawls or wraps are great to cope with the sun or cold. Check with us about special dress requirements. Religious sites require modesty (men & women) with covering of shoulders and legs expected. Mosques will also require shoes to be removed or shoe covers to be worn.
