What is an ETA?

The ETA is a digital pre-clearance for travel, designed to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for visitors. It costs ÂŁ10 (approximately $12.40) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online or via the UK ETA app.

Who Needs an ETA?

All US citizens traveling to the UK for short visits, tourism, or business will need an ETA. This requirement also applies to travelers transiting through UK airports – except if you connect “airside” and therefore don’t cross UK border control to get to your next flight.  In that situation, we still recommend that you consider getting your ETA, just in case flight disruptions require you to spend time in the UK after all.

Also, if you already have a UK visa, legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, or hold a British or Irish passport, you do not normally need an ETA.

How to apply?

Applying for an ETA is simple. You can complete the application online or through the UK ETA app. You’ll need your original passport (not a copy), email address and credit card.  The process involves providing your passport details and paying the application fee. We recommend you apply well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute hassles.

What should I keep in mind?

• The ETA is required for travelers of all ages, including babies and children.
• You can apply on behalf of others, although each application must be filed separately.
• Most applications are processed in three working days or less, although occasionally an application could take longer.
• It is possible that you receive your decision at a different time than others in your group that applied at the same time.
• Ensure you apply through the to avoid higher fees charged by unofficial sites.
• Once you paid your ETA fee to the UK Government, there are no refunds.

For specific information and to apply for an ETA, visit the .

Of course, while we are not visa or immigration experts, if you have additional questions, your ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ advisor will gladly point you in the right direction.

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You can continue to use passport or passport cards, permanent resident cards (“Green Card”), DHS trusted traveler cards and a for domestic air travel. However, you can only use your driver’s license of state ID if they are considered “Enhanced Identification”.

What is a “REAL ID” or “Enhanced Identification”?

Enhanced Identification, often referred to as EID, is a type of identification card that provides additional security features and benefits compared to standard IDs. These cards are typically issued by state governments and are compliant with the REAL ID Act. This Act sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Where can I get an Enhanced Identification or REAL ID?

First, check your current driver’s license or state ID. It may very well already be an EID: many states have been issuing REAL ID compliant identification for years. Typically, a REAL ID-compliant card will have a marking with a star on the upper top portion of the card (.)

To obtain an EID, you will need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The application process typically involves providing proof of identity, residency, and citizenship. You’ll also pay a fee. It’s important to check the specific requirements for your state, as they may vary. Illinois residents can find .

As always, verify the expiry dates of your documents and apply for renewal well in advance of your trip, if necessary.

Click for more details on .

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Specifics vary by cruise line. If you’re not vaccinated and have been waiting to get on the water again, call your Cruise Travel Advisor at Q.  We’ll gladly help you plan your return or first foray into cruising.

You may also find our Ten Tips for Travel Right Now handy!

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At Q, we travel to gain first-hand knowledge of hotels, cruise lines, expedition companies, ships, and destinations. That allows us to fine tune our clients’ experiences and help set their expectations – even more important now cruise and land travel have resumed. After all, right now, things are simply different.

During the pandemic, the Q team traveled on dozens of ocean and river cruises, international and domestic land trips, short and long-haul flights.  What did we learn?  Ten updated travel tips, for travel now:

1)  Pack a healthy dose of flexibility and patience

Life changed over the past two years, and it continues to do so. COVID protocols have relaxed at home and in many places abroad.  But that doesn’t apply everywhere: some locations and travel providers still apply stricter rules than you’re used to.  Changes can pop up at any time too. You must review the rules before starting any trip!

We are also seeing significantly more flight schedule changes than usual. Many airlines reduced workforce and fleet size during the pandemic. The renewed demand for travel means that many airlines and airports are struggling. Airlines tell us that it is not unusual for an air reservation (especially with connections) to undergo more than three schedule changes between the time a flight is booked and the actual trip!

Cruise itineraries may change too. Destinations may be dropped, (sometimes at the very last minute) and onboard or on land experiences (restaurant opening hours, mask requirements) adjusted.  Travelers who want to know exactly what their travel experience will be like, and those who get anxious when things change, might consider staying home right now.

2)  Plan ahead, budget more

Don’t procrastinate: the best hotels, tour guides, transfer companies and experiences sell out months in advance due to that renewed demand for travel. In fact, some of our local partners in Europe won’t handle any new requests through the fall, because they cannot guarantee the level of service they know our Virtuoso clients expect.

Demand also increases fares for flights and hotel rooms. Reduced capacity and the quest for personal space means that (especially) business class flights can be double or triple the cost in former years. That room you paid $400 a night for in 2019 may very well cost $1,000 this year, especially in always popular destinations like Italy, France, Hawaii, etc.

Want to maximize your travel budget? If you’re open to alternative destinations, give the advisors at Q a call. Or let us start planning your 2023 vacation now, so we can help you get the vacation you want before it is sold out.

3)  Vaccination Cards and boosters

Destinations, tour operators and cruise lines may restrict access to those who are fully vaccinated.  You may have to show your official COVID certificate, upload it on an airline or immigration website so it can be reviewed digitally, or create a QR code.

Some locations will require you to be “boosted” too, with less than 270 days between your last shot and the last day of your upcoming vacation. Some countries don’t recognize the paper US CDC COVID vaccination card, and you may still have to show a negative COVID test before you can enter.

4)  Lie low before you go

The incubation time of the virus means that the week before your vacation is not the time for a busy social schedule. Reduce your risk of getting infected a few days before you travel. Avoid crowded places (churches, restaurants, movie theatres, sports arenas, bars, family get-togethers etc.)  And while it is tempting to explore restaurants in the embarkation port of your cruise or tour, eat outdoors or in your own “bubble”.  Wouldn’t it be a shame to test positive just before your vacation starts?

5)  Tests and masks

The US and many other countries no longer require masks on flights, but some international airlines and countries do. They may require you to wear a specific type: (K)N95 or FFP2, or at least a surgical mask. Some are hard to get, so plan ahead and always carry enough, just in case you tear a strap. Verify guidelines on your airline’s website at least a few days before departure.

Many cruise lines have relaxed mask requirements too. Still, most will recommend that you consider wearing a mask in busy areas (the theatre, at muster drills, etc.).  Also, on shore excursions, local guidelines will be followed, so be prepared to be masked on buses, in indoor venues and other public areas.

A negative COVID test is no longer required to enter the United States either. But other countries, cruise lines, tour operators and destinations might require proof of a negative COVID test before your vacation can truly begin. Test requirements can be confusing. Rapid antigen or PCR test, in-person or proctored at-home test, number of hours before flight arrival or departure?

Give yourself enough time to understand all test requirements. If needed, schedule your appointments well ahead of time. Be guided by your airline, cruise line, hotel or vacation operator in addition to official government sources of the countries you’ll visit.

6)  Test “at home” before you depart

We all hope it doesn’t happen, but should you test positive for COVID, it is better to find out at home before you leave, rather than on arrival in your destination or on your ship. That way, you can alter your plans, hopefully save some money, and “quarantine” at home. Like many of our clients, we will do an at home test shortly before departing on a trip for that extra level of confidence.

7)  Print everything – and charge your phone

Airline employees, immigration officers, hotel check-in staff and even restaurant hosts may still ask you for COVID vaccination proof, test results, completed passenger locator forms, affidavits or whatever your destination may require. QR codes only work if your phone is charged. Good-old fashioned paper, sorted in the way you’ll need to present it, and maybe with key information highlighted, may make the process easier.

8)  Bring extra medications and more

When you travel, it’s always possible that your original plans may be waylaid, and not just because of COVID. Flight delays or cancellations, weather disruptions…  Bring sufficient critical medications to cover you in case your trip is longer than planned – asthma inhalers, blood pressure tablets or whatever you may need.  And during COVID, when there is a chance that you may be quarantined, taking another two weeks of supplies is wise.

Oh, and we don’t need to remind you to keep these items in your carry-on bags, rather than in checked luggage, right?

9)  Buy insurance – and understand what it covers

Always consider purchasing travel insurance when planning a vacation. (Credit card, home or health insurance only go so far!) In a pandemic, you have even more reasons to do so. Travel insurance doesn’t cover your worries to get ill. But you may be covered if a physician tells you that you cannot travel for medical reasons, for example, in case you are diagnosed with COVID. Your insurance may also help offset certain costs for extra accommodation or travel expenses. (Don’t assume your cruise line or hotel will.) Check with your insurance provider for specifics.

10)  Be nice

All of this is new to everyone, and things change rapidly. While that can be frustrating to you, many of the people you encounter have to deal with these changes too – often with fewer colleagues and less information than ideal. Be nice and courteous. It will improve the day of the people you encounter, and yours.

Bonus:  All of it is totally worth it!

Yes, travel is more uncertain and a bit more work. Things aren’t quite like they were. But once you’re on the road after months or years at home, enjoying the sights, sounds and flavors of travel again can be magnificent!

Just call your favorite Q travel advisor to help you on your way.

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Celebrity Edge will start sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on June 26, 2021.  She will alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, 7 nights long. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes long-time favorite ports like Nassau in the Bahamas; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. The Western Caribbean itinerary will take cruise guests to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Nassau in the Bahamas.

Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only female American ocean cruise captain, will have the honor of leading the fleet – and the industry – back into operation.

Vaccinations Required

Celebrity Edge was given the green light by the CDC to be the first ship back in the water, having met all new standards for providing a healthy cruise experience for its guests and crew.  Celebrity Edge will sail with a vaccinated crew.  US guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated, with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing.  (As of August 1, 2021, all US guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.)

Updated guidelines from the CDC also allows the cruise lines to make further adjustments to onboard protocol. In addition, physical changes to ships – in terms of fresh air and ventilation systems; more space in restaurants and other areas; and many more safeguards are implemented to make each cruise comfortable and healthy.

But wait, there’s more!

Over the past few weeks, more and more cruise lines have announced their new summer 2021 itineraries. And these “new” cruises typically requiring passengers and crew to be vaccinated.  As the CDC and other government bodies continue to update and publish guidelines for (cruise) travel, some restrictions are being lifted or relaxed.  We expect that this will continue over the next few months.

Here are a few other cruise options that have been announced.  Call us for details!

• Celebrity Millennium, Windstar from St. Maarten to the Caribbean
• Celebrity Summit, Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas from Seattle to Alaska
• Celebrity Apex; Seabourn Ovation; Silversea’s Silver Moon, Azamara Quest, Norwegian Jade, Holland America ms Eurodam and others from Athens to the Greek Isles, Israel, Cyprus
• Norwegian Joy from Jamaica to the Caribbean.
• Norwegian Gem from La Romana, Dominican Republic to the Caribbean.
• Crystal Serenity, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas from Nassau through the Bahamas
• Seabourn Odyssey from Barbados to the Caribbean
• Silversea Silver Origin, Lindblad Expeditions and Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagos
• Crystal Endeavor in Iceland.
• Crystal Symphony from Antigua and St. Maarten to the Caribbean.
• Viking Venus and Viking Sea from Malta to Greece and the Adriatic coast.

We are excited at this latest news and hope you are too!  But we realize that some of the new travel requirements can be a bit intimidating or confusing at first, so give your Cruise Travel Specialists at Q a call if you’d like to know more about cruise travel on Celebrity Edge or others in the summer of 2021.

The post First in the water: Celebrity Edge, June 26, 2021, from Fort Lauderdale appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

It’s a common question: since nobody is traveling, will prices be higher or lower post-pandemic?  There must be some great deals out there, right?

Well, not necessarily.

If you’re fully vaccinated, the recently announced summer 2021 cruises that are homeported “just outside” the USA (departing from the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Caribbean islands) or in countries like Greece, Cyprus, Iceland or Israel may be a great option.

But if you’re looking to travel nearby or last minute (see our recent blog post), you may find availability already limited, which means prices are trending up.

Increased demand, reduced supply in travel

For late 2021 and all of 2022, we’re seeing the “perfect storm” of increased demand and reduced supply in many travel categories:  (Here are ten trends we’re seeing for travel in 2022).

• Travelers had to cancel their plans for 2020 and much of 2021. Demand for up to 3 years is being “squeezed” into the latter part of 2021 and all of 2022.
• On the supply side, during the pandemic, airlines parked or decommissioned part of their fleet. For example, British Airways retired all its 747s. Carriers also furloughed or let go of tens of thousands of staff members, which means they can’t gear up very quickly.
• In the cruise industry, lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Princess sold or retired some of their ships and thus reduced capacity.
• The pandemic delayed the construction of new ships and hotel properties that were scheduled to come online in 2020 or 2021.
• Capacity at ships and hotels may be more limited to allow for social distancing.
• Many travelers received future cruise credits when 2020 or 2021 travel plans were “paused”, and rebooked when their initial travel plans were disrupted. That reduces availability for future dates.

Should I book my 2022 vacation now or wait?

Don’t procrastinate. Especially if you’re looking for a more unique experience, it pays to start planning now.  Rare travel experiences that are even more limited in availability than usual include:

• One-off cruise itineraries or destinations
• Small ship cruises
• Boutique hotels
• Safari lodges
• Top suites on ships or in hotels
• Connecting rooms for families
• Private villas or apartments
• River cruises
• Private yacht charters
• Premium airline seats
• Travel during festive season and other popular travel dates

If you’re very flexible, and don’t really care too much about the room you’re in or the itinerary you’re on, and you like to “wing it”, yes, you could wait a bit.  But why would you?

Should I wait to see if better promotions will come out for 2022?

No. In many cases, 2022 cruise and airfares are already higher than pre-pandemic fares. We are seeing fewer upgrade and other promotions for next year. Assuming demand remains as robust as it currently is, that will remain the case.

Our recommendation is that, if you have your mind set on a specific trip, we start planning now.  (Just call your Q Travel Advisor.)  That way you have your vacation to look forward to, at a rate you’re comfortable with. And if fares do drop, we’ll adjust it if travel partners allow.

Will I get my money back if I cancel my vacation?

If you book now, you’ll may benefit from flexible “book with confidence policies” offered by many travel providers (cruise lines, tour operators, etc.)  For example, certain cruise lines will allow you to cancel as little as 30 days before a scheduled departure, and instead of keeping your money as a penalty, they will apply your payments towards a future vacation. Those policies will become stricter again as travel rebounds.

Further questions?

Call your ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ Travel Advisor.

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The anticipation of travel is a powerful boost to one’s mood.  And after a year of mandatory home “confinement”, we all need that boost! In our last blog post I talked about how excited our (almost) fully vaccinated clients are to travel again. Our phones have been ringing off the hook. Clients are asking us “Where can I travel now?” Some want to get going as soon possible and here are the last-minute trips they ask us to plan, mostly in nearby destinations.  Others look further ahead, knowing that this “I’ve got a trip to look forward to” lift will help them cope as we whittle our way out of the pandemic.

What ten travel trends are the travel advisors at Q seeing for late 2021, 2022 and beyond?

Here are ten trends we are seeing for post-pandemic travel:

1)  Pity the procrastinator!

Our clients are eager to make up for a “wasted” 2020 and 2021. Availability, especially for unique experiences – think one-off or seasonal itineraries, luxury suites on ships or in hotels, private villas – is limited and fares are going up. To get what you want, it pays to plan ahead.  We’ve been working on many trips in late 2021, 2022 and even into 2023.

2)  Bigger/Longer/Better

Annual vacation travel is a given for most of our clients.  After having been forced to stay put for over a year, our clients now allow themselves to make up for it. Many choose to apply their 2020 vacation days and budget to a longer trip in late 2021 or 2022.

We also see a trend for bigger and better: travelers treat themselves to a balcony room or suite on a cruise. Others upgrade to a for their vacation. Why? Some appreciate the fresh air and built-in social distancing more spacious accommodation offers. And others feel they and their families deserve some pampering after a year at home.

3)  World Cruises and Grand Voyages

Tying in with bigger/longer/better, we’ve seen a surge for world cruises and grand voyages. Oceania Cruises famously announced that its 2023 180-days world cruise sold out within one day of opening for sale to the general public. Regent Seven Seas sold all penthouse suites and above on its 2023 world cruise (143-nights from Miami to Barcelona) within hours after opening it for reservations.

We also see more unique itineraries.  For example, Silversea’s 2023 World Cruise (themed “South Side Story: all the world’s a stage”) visits 66 destinations, of which 40 are new to a Silversea world cruise: unusual destinations like Antarctica, the Amazon, Papua New Guinea, in addition to more traditional marquee ports like Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong and Cape Town.

100 years since the first world cruise

Talking about tradition: did you know that the first world voyage ever took place in 1923, on Cunard Line’s Laconia? In 2023, Cunard takes the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of world cruises.  Queen Mary 2 will sail 117-nights roundtrip from New York City, to places like Colombo, Hong Kong and Singapore, while Queen Victoria sails a 92-night itinerary from New York to Southampton with stops in Hong Kong, New York City, Singapore, Honolulu and the Panama Canal.

But bigger/better and especially longer does not work for everyone, so clients also contact us for shorter segments of these epic voyages in 2022 or 2023.

4)  Private Homes, Villas and Apartments

Another trend: clients “vant to be alone” with their own. Whether we’re talking family or a group of friends, more and more are asking about , apartments or home rentals.

With social distancing in a more controlled environment, a private home on vacation guarantees plenty of space to get together with your friends and family. Pool party?

Like us, our clients care about cleanliness and safety standards, so we don’t rely on the average apartment rental website. We only recommend accommodations vetted through our trusted partners.  (And if grocery shopping or cooking is not your idea of vacation, we can have our onsite partners take care of that for you.)

5)  Private Motorboats and Sailing Yachts

Ever considered ? Not every private yacht has to be a “Below Deck” superyacht. (Although we can organize those too!)  Clients ask us about private yachts from 2 to 12 guests all the time. Savvy sailors operate their own motorboat or catamaran, while we can arrange a crew (with gourmet chef, if you like) for novice boaters.

6)  Private Planes and Globe-spanning Private Jet Journeys

If you’ve ever flown on a private jet, you know why people love it. Time savings, control, privacy. You pick your departure and arrival airports (goodbye mega-hub hours away from your origin or destination), you decide when you take off (hello check-in only 15 minutes before departure); nonstop flights (goodbye Auntie Anne’s pretzel smell at hub airport). Your plane is ready for you when you are, not the other way around.  The extra level of luxury helps too. Glass of champagne, anyone?

Clients also appreciate that private jets keep them from having to share a commercial flight with 200 or more of their best friends. And as airlines offer fewer scheduled flights from smaller destinations, the potential to save time on a private jet is even larger. Once you’re used to luxury travel, it is hard to step back. So we anticipate that private jets are going to stick around, especially when traveling with a group (which helps keep costs in check).

A world “cruise” by private jet

Another trend: combining the variety and far-away-destinations of a world cruise with the efficiency, speed and comfort of a private jet.

Instead of cruising around the world by ship in 80 days or more, . Or enjoy the from the US to see a veritable Noah’s Ark: snow monkeys in Japan; orangutans in Malaysia; whale sharks in the Philippines; Bengal tigers in India; Gorillas in Rwanda and the Big Five in Kenya.

And those who fear seasickness on the Drake Passage to Antarctica (or want to maximize time) ask us about “Flying the Drake”.  We can even arrange a private jet to a “safari camp” in Antarctica, with a side trip to the geographic South Pole!

7)  Festive Fun

Whatever you celebrate, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, it is all less fun on your own. Staying home in 2020 has been hard on families. So many of our clients are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together in 2021. We’ve had questions about and the Caribbean (the best sell out far in advance, especially if you need connecting rooms or villas to accommodate your (grand)children!); an ; a ; a relaxing and a trip to celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland.  Once again, the early bird catches the worm!

8)  Looking and Booking Far Ahead…

With 3 years of demand being pushed into barely 1.5 year of supply, 2022 will be a very busy travel year. Some of the best suites on ships and hotels are already sold out, and fares are generally 25% higher than in previous years due to the additional demand.

Small capacity accommodations like safari lodges, villas but also small group escorted vacations and expeditions are also getting more limited in availability.

Trend: planning ahead now for vacations in 2022 and even 2023 will maximize your vacation dollar and  anticipation enjoyment.

9)  And Far Away…

After a year close to home, our clients appear to now want to go as far away as possible: and Europe are always popular, but Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica are top of the list for many of our new enquiries.

10)  Ask the Advisor

When the borders closed at the beginning of the pandemic, the advisors at Q helped our clients to get home from places as far away as Australia and South America. Our excellent relationships with many of our partners and countless hours working resulted in the best available refunds, credits or other benefits for our clients.  Our goal is to help our clients in making the right travel decisions.

“Do It Yourself” no more

A development we’re seeing?  Former “DIY” travelers decided in 2020 that planning travel is no fun for them anymore, with everchanging COVID regulations, refund rules, cancelled flights/cruises/hotels, hours of telephone hold time with airlines or online travel agencies.

They realize now that, without a travel advisor, you are on your own.  Q clients never are.

It is exciting that more places are slowly opening up to welcome visitors. We realize that not everyone is ready for travel yet, and of course it is a personal decision. We just want you to know that, when you feel that the time is right for you, the team at Q will be here to help.

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It started in mid-February: we’d receive phone calls that went pretty much like this.  “Hi, how are you?  We just got our second shot and now we want to get out of here.  Where can we go?” After almost a year of being “stuck” at home, many of our clients are now vaccinated and ready to start traveling again.

Those who received their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine tend to be first in line to plan their next adventure. And many other clients – who due to age or availability may not have access to the vaccine yet – are reaching out to plan their imminent escape from their “Working From Home” monotony.

With infection rates dropping while vaccination rates rise, that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting brighter.

What to expect when traveling now?

You probably know that it takes about two weeks after you’re fully vaccinated for the maximum protection afforded by today’s COVID vaccines to kick in.  (At Q, we are travel professionals, not medical experts. Please ask your physician whether it is safe for you to travel.)

And while you may be safer from COVID, please don’t think that COVID measures no longer apply to you. Responsible travelers will continue to follow local guidelines for social distancing, wear their masks, and protect fellow travelers who may not have been vaccinated yet, as well as themselves.

Also, flexibility is a must. As infection rates and local circumstances change, so will entry restrictions or testing requirements. While most travel providers offer more flexibility than usual in terms of cancellations or changes, you also need to mentally prepare yourself that your trip may not happen, or may not go exactly as initially planned.

So what are some of the travel trends and popular destinations we’re seeing? In today’s issue, we’ll talk about the last-minute, short haul trips and destinations our clients ask about right now:

South Florida Resorts

With many borders closed and snow buffeting Chicago and other locations in the USA, clients pine for some sun. That has resulted in (many last-minute) reservations for beach resorts in South Florida, such as oft-awarded (perfect for families or couples, but also for social distancing with only five rooms and suites per floor) and the (with its ultra-exclusive 25-room boutique hotel-within-a-hotel, Flagler Club, if you want even more privacy). Want something more contemporary? features colorful Jonathan Adler interiors and one of the best spas in the USA.

Bahamas and Caribbean

Many countries are still off-limits to US travelers. But some all-time favorites like Mexico, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and Anguilla, are welcoming us. Those who are comfortable crossing the border need to be aware that a PCR test before departure is required in most cases, and also when returning to the USA. Many of our hotel partners will facilitate these tests onsite, and in some cases even pay for them. For example the include the best food I’ve ever tasted at an all-inclusive resort, as well as your COVID-test before you fly back to the USA!

Worried about testing positive and getting stuck in quarantine before returning home? Well, should that happen at the gorgeous , you can quarantine up to 14 nights courtesy of the Baha Mar resort, with a $150 per day allowance for meals. Alternatively, you can be flown back to the USA on a private plane.

We’ve also seen interest in Puerto Rico peak: as a United States territory, no PCR test or immigration procedures are required when returning to the US mainland. Our clients also like the idea of combining history (San Juan is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas); adventure and nature (the El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service) with .

American River Cruises

While ocean cruises from the US are still paused, is about to restart its river cruises on the Mississippi and other American waterways.

Important to know: American Queen Steamboat is one of the first cruise lines to require that all guests and crew are fully vaccinated against COVID from July 2021 onwards, which brings an extra level of comfort to clients.

Also important: there has been a huge run on these American sailings, so availability on some departures is very limited.

American Experiences: Road Trips and Southern Charm

While we’ve seen a distinct drop in travel to big American cities like New York or Chicago, smaller Southern cities like or are hugely popular right now.  Not surprising, considering they offer culture, history and fantastic (outdoor!) culinary experiences and great hotels.

Some clients say they prefer to drive rather than fly, so road trips have been appealing too, for example on parts of Route 66, or along Highway 1 in California, or the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville and the Blue Mountains.  And with our partners at Relais & Chateaux, we have been able to set up “Route du Bonheur” road trips along fantastic, typically small lodgings with spectacular restaurants.

Culinary enthusiasts have also been flocking to the amazing (and almost always sold out) .

American Experiences: Ranches and National Parks

The quest for space also means that National Parks and dude ranches in America’s “Wild West” are sought after. Ranches range from historic to spectacularly luxurious, and from Ted Turner’s private ranch to an entire Western village for your group’s private use.

The Islands of Hawai’i

Quarantine restrictions initially made Hawaii a bit less accessible, but now the state’s Pre-Travel Testing Program allows individuals to proceed without quarantine.  So if Pacific breezes and gorgeous scenery are on your wish list, talk to us. Here are some to whet your whistle.

Brand-new: “Sunshine and Serenity Cruise” in the Bahamas

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is moving Crystal Serenity from Europe to the Bahamas.  While cruises from the USA are not yet authorized, starting in July, Crystal will offer weekly cruises from Nassau or Bimini exploring some of the lesser known island gems of the Bahamas. Ideal for those who are fully vaccinated (a new requirement on Crystal), Crystal Serenity offers a reasonably priced luxury cruise “fix” alternative to staying at home.

Our next post will be about travel further afield – both in time and distance.

It is exciting that more places are slowly opening up to welcome visitors. We realize that not everyone is ready for travel yet. Of course it is a personal decision. We just want you to know that, when you feel that the time is right for you, the team at Q will be here to help.

The post People Ask: I’ve been vaccinated. Where can I go?  (Last minute/short haul edition) appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

While we are not welcoming visitors to our office on Michigan Avenue at this time, the Q team looks forward to helping you by phone or Zoom.  Simply call or schedule your appointment at (312) 266 7447.

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Flying to Europe or other long-haul destination during COVID-19?  Intercontinental travel is different from what you’re used to.  Be as prepared as you can be, with these seven items you should bring on your next long-haul flight across the pond:

1) Plenty of face masks

From arrival at the airport, through your entire plane journey and upon leaving your destination airport, you will be asked to be masked.  (Over your mouth AND nose, please!) The exception?  Only when you’re in the actual process of eating or drinking.  And for a brief moment when immigration or security officers ask you to lift your mask so they can match your face to your travel documents. Because some masks only “work” for about 4 hours, airlines like KLM ask you to bring plenty for your journey.  Also, a plastic face shield may be used in addition to a mask, but is not an approved replacement on Delta and others.

2) A plastic bag

While eating or drinking, KLM and other airlines ask you to store your mask in a clean place (the original packaging, or a clean plastic bag). To avoid contamination, don’t dangle your mask from your ear, or slip it under your chin or put it on your head.

3) Disinfectant wipes

Your friendly masked flight attendant may hand you some wipes, and your airline will tell you that they do a much better job at disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. But you will still want to give your table, seatbelt buckle, air vents, window blind, a once-over yourself.  And upon arrival, wipe down suitcase handles. And in your hotel room, wipe doorknobs, remote controls and other high-touch areas.

4) Sanitizing hand gel

Of course, washing hands is better. But after touching trays at security check points,  escalator handrails and other high-touch areas, disinfecting your hands with some hand gel feels great!  Dry skin from all this disinfectant? Bring some hand lotion!

5) Food and snacks

Food service is almost non-existent right now on short-haul flights. Even on a long-haul flight you’ll find that catering is simplified. Most airlines don’t offer special meal requests. So if you’re looking for something vegetarian/low sodium/low fat etc., I suggest you bring it yourself!  To reduce the interaction between crew and passengers, you may also find that there are no mid-flight snacks. If you might get peckish, BYO!

6) Reading material

To keep everyone from “touching” the same magazines and newspapers, airlines have removed publications from lounges and aircraft.  You may even search for an inflight magazine in vain!  British Airways and others make their magazines available through PressReader, but you might just want to bring your own reading material.

7) Pen and contact details

Expect government agencies to collect travel schedule and destination contact details, so they can find you post-flight should it be necessary.  The UK and other countries ask for this in advance and online. Others have you complete a paper form inflight.  Have your own pen and the post-arrival details in your carry-on luggage.  That will save you time, and keep you from having to borrow a (germy?) pen from someone else!

Bonus Tip:

Finally, about those carry-ons: don’t overpack! Flight attendants might not be allowed to touch your bags and thus can’t help lift them in the overhead bins. And some airports are only allowing one carry-on to reduce the amount of touchpoints at security.

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