The news has been hopeful this week with the unofficial promise of travel resuming for fully vaccinated American travelers to Europe as early as this Summer. Of course, with unofficial announcements such as these, come many, many questions and unknowns.

Ultimately, until an official statement is released this is all based on speculation and highly subject to change. That said, here is what indications point towards right now:

The rollout of a timeline will depend on vaccination rates here in the States, as well as abroad. While the percentage of Americans who have been fully vaccinated is currently just under 30% according to the CDC, we are leaps and bounds ahead of many countries. For example, the UK leads Europe at 20%, Denmark is at 10%, Italy, Spain, Ireland and France have yet to reach 9%, Greece and Germany hover at 7%, Croatia, which has already opened to American tourists has just 4% of their population that has been fully vaccinated. (Fully vaccinated is defined by the CDC as those who are 14 days past their second dose of a two dose vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna, or 14 days past their one dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson) Based on this, we’ve got a long way to go.

Just because borders may open, doesn’t mean things return to normal. A travel colleague with family in Germany shared this week that “nothing is open” and lockdowns are expected to continue to June while infection rates remain at 20,000 per day for the past three weeks.

Individual countries will determine their own requirements, even with the guidance issued by the EU.

It has not yet been made clear whether vaccinated American travelers will be able to travel from country to country without testing and/or quarantine within the EU block.

Of course, with the current vaccines only being available to those 16 and over, this would prevent younger families from traveling together under the expected guidelines.

Official announcements are expected as early as today, no doubt with more questions to follow.

When taking all of this into account, if you are one of the 30% of fully vaccinated Americans with your passport burning a hole in your pocket, now is the time to plan. But first, check that passport to make sure the expiration date didn’t sneak up on you while we were grounded. Turn around times with passport renewals are quite long right now.

Would you like updates, as they become available?

Sign up here:

It’s Earth Day! The 51st Earth Day celebration, in fact. It hasn’t been that long since I wrote about the Vacation For Good program here at Slaydon’s Travel. So this week I wanted to talk about the 2020 Environmental Performance Index rankings of the Greenest Countries in the World. Don’t worry, I’ll just touch on the top 5 as all are quite popular when we design custom itineraries for our clients.

#5 – France – always a popular destination for travelers. Whether it be a trip to the iconic city of lights, or a more in depth itinerary, France has something to offer for nearly every traveler. Some of the experiences our clients enjoy are the glitz and glamor of the French Riviera, immersing themselves in the history of Normandy or gliding through the vineyards of the Rhone on a river cruise.

#4 – United Kingdom – generally a must see for many travelers on their first overseas trip. The UK puts vacationers at ease with eliminating the language barrier. We plan many trips for families who are tracing their roots as well.

#3 – Switzerland – of course it is a winter sports wonderland, nothing compares to the value of an all-inclusive ski or snowboard vacation in the Alps. But, this landlocked country is a playground for travelers throughout the year.

#2 – Luxembourg – this tiny country is easily overlooked by tourists. However, travelers looking to incorporate a more authentic spot are keen on including Luxembourg in their itinerary. Bordered by France, Belgium and Germany it is often included on European river cruises that include the Moselle River.

#1 – Denmark – Ranked as the most environmentally friendly country in the World. They are the leaders making every day Earth Day when it comes to green living. Copenhagen, pictured above, is a popular addition to custom itineraries for those travelers who have seen the “European highlights” so to speak.

The US ranked 24th out of the 180 countries in the 2020 rankings. We all have work to do, not just on Earth Day, but every day to preserve this beautiful planet for future generations. While travel certainly takes a toll on the environment with regards to over tourism and pollution, it also gives us a newfound appreciation of just how much of an impact our day to day actions can have.

So, this Earth Day, ditch the plastic straws and other single use plastics and see how much of an impact your changes can make before we celebrate the 52nd Earth Day in 2022.

Would you like more information on how you can Vacation For Good?

Sign up here:

Are you more confused than ever with the information regarding travel? I realize the information can seem both overwhelming and contradictory. That’s where the guidance of a travel professional is more important than ever when navigating these requirements. While the chart above looks fairly straightforward, not everything is as simple as it seems. While the indication above is that once fully vaccinated you no longer are required to get tested 1-3 days before traveling out of the US, the truth is it’s not that cut and dried. Most destinations are still requiring international travelers be tested before arrival.

Also, in the past week several more cruise lines have announced they will require vaccines for all passengers and crew, including NCL, Oceania and Regent.

It certainly seems that we are on the right track towards widespread International travel. Guidance, recommendations and requirements will continue to change as vaccinations progress. But overall, the news is positive for a possible Fall return to Europe. If you are considering a 2021 trip to Europe reach out to me sooner rather than later. The same goes for early 2022. As trips continue to be pushed back for 2021 space is filling very quickly for the 4th quarter.

Want to stay up to date on developments like this?

Sign up here:

We seem to be getting more good news than bad these days with regards to travel. While things will not return to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon, there are glimmers of hope, including a very exciting opportunity in 2022 that includes two of the biggest events in Europe.

Additional cruise lines have added vaccine requirements for guests and crew. Three weeks ago, I shared with you that American Queen Steamboat Company and Crystal Cruises had announced that they would require vaccines as early as July 1, 2021. In the weeks since several more cruise lines have announced requirements beginning this Spring, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Windstar, Avalon, American Cruise Lines, Virgin Voyages and UnCruise. I will continue to update the list as information becomes available. So far, reaction is positive from clients who feel safer traveling when they know that their fellow passengers have been vaccinated.

With talk of possibilities opening for vaccinated travelers things are booking quite quickly. Remember the 45 day river cruise through 7 rivers in Europe for 2023 that I mentioned a few weeks ago? Well, it filled so quickly that a second date has been added and filling just as quickly.

However, there are other unique opportunities for 2022. The Oberammergau Passion Play takes place in Germany every 10 years and was postponed from 2020 to 2022. While availability is slim, there are still a few dates available through select suppliers.

Another once-a-decade event takes place in 2022 as well, that’s the Floriade, which draws nearly 4 times the travelers to Europe than Oberammergau. While Keukenhof Gardens are famous for their flowers, Floriade is much more than a flower show. The Floriade expo, also in the Netherlands, will feature landscapes, gardens and greenhouses highlighting a vast collection of flowers, trees, shrubs, plants and crops from more than 40 countries.

We have a few cabins left on a Special Tauck River Cruise sailing from Brussels to Amsterdam in May of 2022 visiting both Keukenhof and Floriade. Maybe you’re sitting home dreaming of finally seeing the tulip fields or have wanted to visit for years, this could be your chance. Here is the itinerary, but don’t wait too long, click here if you want to secure your spot.

Travel bubbles, private tours and small groups – these are all trends that are gaining momentum. Most of us are in that stage of being grounded where just having a trip on the calendar makes us feel more at ease. At the same time, we’re not quite ready to jump on that airplane, or ready to forge ahead on our own.

I’m getting more questions about whether or not a certain destination is allowing US Citizens to visit yet, or if there is an expected date that they will. I”m also seeing clients hesitant to plan something with out the added layer of peace of mind that going with another couple or family would provide. There seems to be strength in numbers, albeit small numbers that puts clients at ease when planning.

This week I wanted to share some of the ideas that have been popping up in inquiries.

#1 – a small group travel – I don’t think we will see big group tours of 40+ passengers returning anytime soon. Group sizes are trending much smaller with averages being 12-24 with a few options for only 8 people to make up a group.

#2 – a travel bubble – just in case you haven’t gotten tired of the few people you’ve been socializing with for the past year, this is a great way to travel with them. We can customize an itinerary that would allow 8-12 friends and family to travel exclusively as their own group. Obviously, unless you charter a private jet, there are still elements of the trip that expand that bubble. However, you’ll have the confidence that you’re spending the bulk of your vacation time with those you are most comfortable around. Sailing around the Greek Isles or the Croatian coast is the popular option with 3-4 couples. For larger groups or families destinations like Hawaii are off the charts.

#3 – finally meeting in person again with your zoom-mates! Maybe you’re been doing virtual yoga and once the conditions are right you get that zoom group together and meet up in Bali for a week of rejuvenation and deeper connections. Maybe yoga is a bit too tame for your group – cycling through Tuscany may be more your speed.

#4 – did you resort to a virtual reunion this year or miss an annual in person event while we’ve been grounded? Why not plan to take things up a notch in 2022 and take that event on the road? The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Let’s chat about some of the common group interests and see what we can come up with that everyone will enjoy.

We are seeing travel book very heavily for Fall 2021 and especially the Holiday season, if there is something you have been considering, reach out to me now while we still have the possibility of more available options

More travelers are returning to the air, with that come more questions regarding how to stay safer from Coronavirus germs as you fly. Of course there are no guarantees, but these steps on cleaning the space around your seat may help cut down on the germs you’re exposed to. As always, follow the recommendations on social distancing and the federal mandate on mask wearing to protect those around you, and if you’re not feeling well, please stay home.

How to sanitize your airline seat

Step #1 – Board as early as possible to give yourself ample time to sanitize the area without holding up other passengers

Step #2 – Make sure you have disinfecting wipes handy, and that you’ve read the directions. Some recommend that the surface dry on it’s own for maximum effect, this can take several minutes

Step #3 – Use the wipes on the surfaces around your seat including:

~ latch to the overhead bin if it’s not already open

~ tray table latch

~ both sides of the tray table

~ both arm rests, including all 4 sides and the button to recline

~ both seatbelt straps and latches

~ seat back entertainment screen and buttons (remote if offered)

~ overhead controls for air, light and call button

~ window pull – if you’re seated by the window

Step #4 – Do not use the seat back pocket for your items, keep them cleaner in your carry on bag.

Step #5 – Sit back, lather on the hand sanitizer, adjust your mask, and enjoy your flight!

When you’re comfortable enough to start planning your next vacation we would love to help you.

Sign up here for more updates:

Wow! You guys are ready to get on the road, aren’t you? I’ve gotten a lot of questions in the past week about the two cruise lines that I mentioned, both of which have announced they will require vaccinations.

I’ll start with American Queen Steamboat Company since they have released the most concrete information. They resume sailing along the Mississippi this month on two of their smaller ships. They have reduced capacity to 50% which will mean sailings with less than 100 guests. Beginning July 1, 2021 they require all guests to have received their second vaccine dose, or their single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine no less than 14 days prior to embarkation. Response has been overwhelming from vacationers who are relieved to know that their fellow passengers and crew onboard will have also been vaccinated. There are some lovely itineraries, but space is understandably selling quickly. If you are interested in a domestic getaway with vaccinated travelers reach out and we can discuss the remaining options.

The second cruise line to announce a vaccination requirement has been Crystal Cruises, which operates Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition cruises around the world. They have the same vaccination requirements, where the second dose, or single dose of Johnson & Johnson will need to be administered to passengers no less than 14 days prior. However, their timeline for returning to cruising is a bit more muddled at this point. They currently have suspended operations through May for their river cruises, through June for their ocean cruises and until August 1 for the remainder of their operations. Those dates are quite fluid at this point.

Of course, vaccination requirements are just a small piece of the overall safety plan these and other cruise lines are putting into place. Do you have questions about what things may look like moving forward and when you may be able to venture out safely? I would love to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Would you like updates, as they become available?

Sign up here:

Would you look at those profiteroles and eclairs? We made those! This past Sunday my daughter and I participated in a hands on virtual French Choux Pastry class. Luckily we were provided all of the instructions beforehand and were able to get everything prepped for the class. It was very fast paced, but with the two of us working together we were able to keep up with the instructor and had a great time. We made the choux into the profiteroles and into eclairs. We opted to fill both of them with the pastry cream we made, rather than ice cream for the profiteroles. We also made a chocolate ganache for the top. I did sneak a few of the profiteroles away to enjoy as a savory treat before dinner when I stuffed them with herbed goat cheese and prosciutto.

While we obviously didn’t travel to Paris physically, we were able to immerse ourselves in the culture for a short while. We’ll not be opening a patisserie any time soon, we did enjoy the fruits of our labor.

This week I’m tuning into a zoom meeting to listen to two of my favorite travel colleagues as they discuss the Jazz age in Paris. My daughter has me on the lookout for a macaron class we can take together. We considered a class to make fresh Carbonara, but ultimately decided that we couldn’t come close to replicating the way her best friend’s grandmother makes it so we probably shouldn’t even try.

Have you considered an online seminar or hands on class based in your favorite destination as we wait things out a bit longer? We have several suppliers that are offering nearly anything you can imagine. Perhaps there’s something you’re interested in that I can help you line up? Reach out and I’ll be happy to see what options are available.

For those of you who read last week’s article, our Valentine’s Tiramisu is pictured above. This is how we finished off our fancy, at home Valentine’s dinner. We spent dinner talking about our favorite restaurants and meals during our travels. We also talked about what types of trips we want to take as a family and as a couple, when it’s safe.

My family is in agreement with most of the reports we’re reading in the industry when it comes to the changes we are likely to see. We added several new vacation ideas to our dream sheet. We approach travel based on the values that surface rather than tackling them in any particular order. We start with a budget and time frame and go from there rather than starting with the destination.

Here are the trends that seem to be leading the way right now:

#1 – single destination vacations, or at least fewer destinations – when you think of European travel it’s easy to try to fit as much into your itinerary as you think you can. When you compare an international trip to a domestic one, consider the pace. You wouldn’t do a 10 day vacation to Florida where you spend 2 nights in Key West, 2 in Miami, 2 in Orlando, 2 in St. Augustine and 2 in Pensacola. Why are you trying to see all of Ireland in the same amount of time? Slow down and spend more time in one spot!

#2 – longer vacations – This one is hard for Americans, but we’re finally starting to embrace vacations that are at least 10 days and more often trending up to 14 – 21 days. Just yesterday AMAWaterways, a leader in European river cruising announced that in 2023 they will sail a 46 day river cruise through 14 countries. Like many of the longer itineraries on ocean vessels, it’s expected to sell out in a matter of hours.

#3 – more sustainable vacations – While the pause for Covid precautions has been a strain on many, the planet itself has shown signs of new life and improvement during the past year as a result. Travelers are beginning to consider more closely the impact that their carbon footprint brings. We can help you navigate these new options through our Vacation For Good program when you’re ready.

#4 – integrating experiences such as culinary or wellness into your vacations – have you tuned into an online cooking class or started doing your daily yoga practice through youTube? Why not carry those one step further on your next vacation and incorporate a cooking class, or perhaps include an element of wellness in your daily itinerary?

#5 – private experiences – this has been on the rise for the past several years and promises to continue to skyrocket as we move forward. No one really enjoyed those massive group jaunts through a crowded museum following a cat toy on a stick, did they? Luckily we’re seeing an increase in not only small group options, but private options as well.

What are some changes you would like to make when planning your next vacation? When it comes to the destination, do you still have the same spots in mind, or have those shifted as well?

Want to find out more?

Sign up here: