Back to Europe This Summer?

Factors to me would be (1) airline policies (refunds, masks, testing protocol--especially for transit countries), (2) level of vaccination and community spread in the country I am visiting, plus what kind of restrictions would be in place.

We bought tickets yesterday to Germany. I don’t care if we sit on a rental patio or balcony and stare at a lake or mountain. If we can go we will go.

Are you considering a trip?

Not really. Still too many variables on testing and restrictions ( wearing a mask for a 10+ hr flight has zero appeal)

What factors are important to you?

Stability in the rules, whatever they are. Right now it looks to have too many 'moving parts', to plan an enjoyable trip, vs a manageable one.

Bought tickets to Paris last week. Traveling late Sept.

I am watching the news for June/July travel and mulling it over. If I think we can get to Europe in June/July, I will plan a quick trip and we will go.

We are vaccinated. We are willing to wear masks, indoors and out. We are willing to pre-book entry to our sites ( I do this anyways).

The only concession I will likely make is that the trip will be a single country and likely a non-stop out of Seattle, so no figuring out multiple country entry issues and no trying to sort passenger transit issues. If Europe opens up completely and I don't have to sort out transit issues, I might consider a more complicated itinerary. For now, I've got London penciled in but I'm willing to switch that up.

What Joe32F said. We are both vaccinated but have no plans for another tour to Europe until at least early summer 2022. Things would have to stabilize on a number of fronts before we make European travel plans. And regardless of a lessening of COVID issues, I don't see missing a travel surge, if there is one, a bad thing.

We are booked with another company for a Scandinavian tour. If the tour is on, we will go. We had hoped to join an RS tour at the end of the first one, but understand Rick's concerns. We are healthy and vaccinated and feel comfortable with the health care systems in the countries we are visiting. We don't care if not everything on the itinerary is open. Just to walk and enjoy the scenery as well as local food will be enough.

As an expat in Europe it is frustrating to see things open for tourists who are lucky enough to be vaccinated while we are both waiting on vaccines and waiting for our families to be permitted to come visit or even stay. We certainly rejoice with our friends in the industry and hope that our neighbors and local establishment owners are able to remain in business. But as friends wait to find out when they will be reunited with their barely 18 year old children, as we wait for vaccines even as we push for equitable global distribution, as we wait for permission to head to the nearby seaside—we find that it doesn’t feel good. My friends have found that they aren’t feeling particularly gracious or welcoming, and I can’t say I blame them.

I, too, am eager to travel. Since taking my first flight at 3 months old I have never gone more than a year without boarding a plane, and my sense of adventure and desire to explore are gnawing at me. It’s been 2 years since we have seen family. It’s been 16 months since I have flown. We have been 6 months without any form of eating out. It will be some time yet before vaccines become generally available.

I don’t mean people shouldn’t come. Our tourism industry needs visitors, and a gradual return to normalcy is important for many reasons. But travelers should recognize that they will be facing some of this pent-up resentment in addition to closures, cancellations, and disruptions to even everyday experiences. You will be getting a second-rate experience at best.

Quarantining at destination or when back home. Currently Canadians have to quarantine for 14 days including 3 days at their cost at a government designated hotel until a negative test, and then even with the negative test, quarantine at home to complete the 14 days.

Not likely for this year. For next year, I'll want to feel confident that we aren't just waiting for another surge to happen. That is, that there is a meaningful reduction in risk and illness (determined by the public health community, not politicians), and not just my personal vaccination status. I think we need to know the scientific consensus on how long immunity lasts and the need/process for booster shots. Howling Mad's comments I think are pretty significant.

One of the things that has come up in other threads, is that some people are wondering if RSE will require all tour participants to be vaccinated.

No, not considering a trip until vaccine requirements set by the pharm co's are being followed by big players like the UK. The 2nd dose is only proven to be completely effective after a * 3-4 week delay, * and my UK boyfriend is nearly at TWELVE weeks and still no notice of when he will get his second dose. With the UK being a major airport hub, and with them messing around with what the manufacturers direct the doctors to do, there's no way that I would go until there is solid information that the conditions are getting much better, and their vaccination program gets MUCH better. I hope their massive experiment with all their citizens does not go as terribly wrong as it could, but with my family being bio researchers within 50 miles of Pfizer, the science of it has been discussed in detail within my family the whole time, and the idea of the UK disregarding the science is a BIG deal.
We'll hope for the best, But it may not be possible, they way they are not following instructions.

I hope to head to Europe as early as August; the trip could last up to about 8 weeks--too long to put together a trip limited to walking around outdoors. I won't go unless infection rates and vaccination rates suggest museums at my destinations will remain open. I have no interest in going to a country that will let me in but remains locked down. I'm also concerned about capacity controls at indoor sights; I am not about to pre-book entries to a whole bunch of places, so I need assurance that last-minute entry can be arranged to most of the places I want to see. Also, as someone else on the forum pointed out months ago: If museums, restaurants and cafes are closed, just where are you going to find a toilet when you need one?

I enjoy eating in restaurants but am willing to stick to carry-out and grocery-store items if necessary since this trip will be shorter than my usual full-summer plan.

I don't mind masking indoors, but I won't be happy if I have to remain masked for extended periods outdoors during hot weather; that is very unpleasant, and I would tweak my itinerary to reduce the likelihood of that experience.

Yes. July Iceland and Paris. Booked it back in December.

We had to cancel our September 2020 RS Best of England tour (with time in Liverpool before and London after). We are hoping to rebook for 2022. There is too much uncertainty regarding the containment of the virus in Europe. We would like to hear actual reports from travelers before we book another trip. We would not mind wearing masks on the flight and in crowded indoor situations, but would hope for a more or less normal overall travel experience.

No, not this year. I’d like to see more of European citizens vaccinated before considering a visit. I also want museums open along with restaurants, churches. Way to many variables, including the unknown about possible variant pop ups, and too many different hoops to jump through.

We are vaccinated and will need a booster too! That’s the other thing, how will boosters be handled here and in Europe?
I’d consider a tour only if Covid is under better control and tour members were all vaccinated. Not sure how that would really work but that’s my two cents.
We want to do RS, back to back, Portugal and Spain tours that had to be cx last year.

“Opening up” is not very specific. What kind of capacity is being considered? I’m not even thinking about major sites, but more about grocery stores, hotels, cafes, etc... What happens if there’s a surge based on one of the variants? What steps will need to be taken to actually board a plane? I think it’s fine for anyone that is comfortable going, but the unknowns are keeping us from booking.

I was strongly considering it for October but just yesterday decided it isn't right for me. I'm vaccinated but still not comfortable eating indoors at restaurants. It's a 9+ hour flight and I wouldn't feel safe eating on the plane. The idea of a mask that long is also very unappealing.

I've continued to travel within the US. I even flew twice last year after March. But they were 3-4 hour flights and I tested before/after each trip etc. So it's not a fear of travel. But going outside the country, so far from home with so much uncertainty, we'll it seems rather stressful to me. Not worth it.

The only place I would want to go to this year is Australia and New Zeeland IF they open up to US tourists. The tour company I am thinking of going with requires all customers to have had the COVID vaccine.

I am only considering a trip to the UK because I want to visit family in July. Hoping the US gets on the "Green List" by that time. It will be a deal-breaker for me if I have to quarantine for 10 days when I get to the UK and take Covid tests on days 2 and 8. I will just wait it out.

Margaret

In January 2020, I planned and largely booked a trip to the South of France and the North of Spain, starting and ending in Barcelona, for September 2020.

Obviously, that didn't happen. I was able to get a refund on my flight, and cancel most of my hotels (using that term generically) without penalty. But there a few places I booked, almost all in Spain, that wouldn't refund the money I had paid.

All of these places told me I could apply the money I had paid to a future stay, provided that stay occurred within one year. So, I rebooked all those places for exactly 364 days later, in September 2021.

I haven't yet purchased air fare though.

My S.O. and I have both been fully vaccinated. Given the recent announcement, we are hopeful to be able to go this September.

The part of south France to which we are going has been the area in France least affected by Covid, I think because it is so rural.
Most of the places we are staying in France are smaller towns or out in the Country. (We have scheduled 5 days in Sarlat, followed by two days in Bordeaux).

I am still a little bid worried about Spain, and especially Barcelona, though.

But the fact that we have paid for these accomodations, and stand to lose all that money, plus the fact that I think we are both now starting to feel a little bit impacted by age (I am 61), makes me want to go if at all possible.

Does anyone know if/how the issue of claims against travel insurance policies based on their failure to reimburse expenses incurred on account of travel disrupted by covid have worked out?

I’m following the opening of museums and restaurants in Paris (May 19). If all goes well, I hope to go the middle of June to Paris and train down to Provence to see the lavender fields in late June.
For sure if Rick goes forward with the Fall 2021 tours, I’ll go. If he decides against it, I will head back if allowed to the Christmas markets.
I live in a city that still mandates mask wearing and spaces tables in restaurants even though the state doesn’t require it. I’ve been fully vaccinated but still wear a mask wherever I go. To me the delight of getting to Europe far outweighs mask wearing. I’ll do it - to protect myself and be respectful of others. I hope, as tourists, we are welcomed back. My favorite hotel in Stresa can’t wait for me to walk up those marble steps and be a guest - mask included!

Nope, I won't be going to Europe this year.

I won't be travelling to Europe (or anywhere internationally) until the following conditions are met:
1. I am fully vaccinated (right now I'm still waiting for my first shot, which I'm guessing will be June, and I don't know when I'll get the second shot but that probably won't be until the fall).
2. The federal government lifts their global travel advisory and there are no Covid travel advisories for the countries I want to visit (travel advisories make it difficult and expensive to get travel insurance).
3. There's no mandatory 14 day quarantine on return (I really don't want to spend up to 14 days in a hotel at my own expense). I'm guessing the earliest this will happen, and the lifting of travel advisories, is late this year after most of the population has been fully vaccinated.
4. The countries I want to visit are open to visitors and don't require a quarantine on arrival.

I had planned a dream trip in late spring / early summer 2020 - 2 months visiting the Nordic countries. So sad and disappointed it didn't happen. :(

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic I've figured it would be at least 2 years before there was any kind of international travel and probably more like 3 (the closest comparison to the Covid pandemic is the Spanish flu pandemic and that lasted about 2 years so that's where I got the "at least 2 years" estimate).

It's going to take time for international travel to resume and get back to where it was before. Even if I can go next year, I'll probably wait another year to give tourism time to get back and up running smoothly.

So hopefully in 2023 I'll be going to Europe.

In the meantime I'm visiting places close to home and supporting the local tourism industry.

I have 2 weeks planned in Greece in July and the month of September planned in Croatia. Below (mostly) was my answer to Allan’s similar question about expectations.

First, that things can change at any time. Although I do have trips booked, I can cancel with no problem up til 1-4 weeks out (depending).
Second, I have a long list of places I want to visit, so I just switched this year’s destinations to places where I will spend most of the time outside, with the exception of lodging.
Third, masks. Fine. Forms, Fine. Maybe even apps for contact tracing. Fine
Fourth, restaurants may not be as available, but that’s ok for me. I am fairly sure take out will be available and I can handle that and if outdoor seating and reservations are the norm, that’s ok, too.
Fifth, my trips will mostly not include public transportation or museums this year. I have a couple of museums on my list, but if they aren’t available, I can live with that and still have a worthwhile trip.
And last, I expect that I may need to be able to pivot quickly. I hope not, but it could happen. However I cancelled Germany because they are moving more slowly. That is great, but I will choose to make that trip later when it feels better to them.

We have had a trip planned for July 2021 since before the pandemic, doing a hiking Tour de Mont Blanc. We will go if at all possible, but it will require us to enter 3 countries (Switzerland, France, Italy) so we'll have to be sure that they are all accepting (vaccinated) visitors. Given that the trip will be mainly outdoor hiking, we obviously don't mind if museums and even restaurants are open, so long as our lodging is available and serving meals.

I've been thinking a lot about a week in Rome during my week off in October, but like the previous Canadian posters, I need Canada to drop the quarantine on return, and drop the travel advisory so I can get insurance.

Very unlikely.

We booked a trip to Germany (for December) back in January. Yeah, we are extremely hopeful. My DH & I are both fully vaccinated, and waiting for the green light for our kids (under 16) to get the jab. With that in mind, we are thinking of "back up" destinations if for some reason we cannot go to Germany (our air & hotel are fully refundable if it's a complete no go :( fingers crossed we'll be going across the pond)

As my MD said yesterday, the Covid situation changes dramatically once vaccinations really pick up. Europe is three months behind the US. By June, in France at least, vaccinations will be open to all. I assume the same for other EU countries, and this is what the governments are banking on.

That person in Germany will be able to see the situation in a new light in just a couple of months instead of feeling anger at tourists. It will change in the developed world very quickly. Now it's time to find an equitable solution for the rest of the world.

Booked for Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia for September. 80% of the trip is outdoors oriented. Will never get on a plane again without a mask. Used to fly 200k per year for business and got colds all the time. Austria is only part of trip with indoor activities and will be happy to wear a mask and/or make a reservation. Vaccinated and hoping our US card works, otherwise the PCR testing seems to be getting relatively easier to do so will do that too if needed. Spouse had to get one (even though vaccinated) for eye surgery and got the results back the same day here. Things seem to be improving on the vaccine front in Europe too, feel very optimistic Fall will work.

Another vote for What Joe32F said. See you in 2022

I'm currently traveling the U.S. getting back up to my normal travel speed for when I head out overseas this summer. Where I'm going is still up in the air but summer usually means northern Europe (less heat.) I'm just waiting for the okay.

Thanks, James E. I am afraid Budapest also has to wait, since multi-country was also more than I was willing to risk this year. Hopefully before too long, though!

No Europe this year for us, I'm afraid. As acraven mentioned, if a lot more of the museums and other indoor attractions adopt advance, timed-entry ticket procedures, I'm not jazzed about having to spend time and energy lining up a whole bunch of bookings. This is especially true should a tourist rush to Europe mean getting up in the middle of the night to try and snag limited tickets when they're released. Additionally, will the majority of attractions be open?

Travel insurance is another problem if the State Dept. is still recommending no travel for the places we want to go.

Not interested in having to do a bunch of COVID testing to do this, that or the other thing.

We've both been vaccinated but it sounds like there's still uncertainty how long the current vaccines will be effective. Might we need another booster by fall? if so, how long a back-up to get it? All-in-all, things are just a bit too shaky for us to want to make the leap yet.

“I don’t care if we sit on a rental patio or balcony and stare at a lake or mountain. If we can go we will go.”

I’m with you Mona, my sentiments exactly!

Thanks for the info on trip insurance James, quite helpful as it is on my to-do list for our Fall trip. And probably the UK trip in Spring.

Counting the days and agree with those who will go and adapt to requirements and restrictions. Just to be there again!

We had a yearly policy with Seven Corners that included part of 2020. They provided good customer service refunding the unused portion of the policy once we were hunkered down in our home in the States

Just booked fall for September. Both of us are fully vaccinated. Keeping our fingers crossed!

I'll pass.

A trip is supposed to be enjoyable, and for me, anticipation is half the fun. Continually having to worry whether or not rules and restrictions will change, is more of a hassle than I'm willing to put up with.

I'm happy to enjoy the sun and fresh air with my family here.

As long as I don't have to be vaccinated or quarantine, hoping to go in December for the Christmas markets.

By then, one would hope the world would have come to it's senses, but I'm not holding my breath.

If you aren’t getting vaccinated, then the world has not come to their senses.

I hope other countries continue to only allow vaccinated tourists in.

"If you aren’t getting vaccinated, then the world has not come to their senses."

This is a very complex situation, and not so binary.

Now, if you'd like, you can join me in giving up driving for a day. If every other American did the same, we'd save hundreds of lives today. Surely one life, let alone hundreds, is worth the inconvenience of a missed day at work or delayed groceries.

If I wanted to hole up on a Greek isle or a villa in the French countryside, I'd consider going this year.

But my style of travel is more focused on moving around, exploring cities as well as the countryside, including museums and other sites of interest. And there are just too many question marks about doing that kind of travel this year.

Rick Steves says it well in his May "Travel News" (https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/travel-news/may-2021/hi-from-rick)

I'm aware that Europe this summer and fall won't
quite be the "same old Europe": Masking, social distancing, limits on
gatherings, and other restrictions are likely to remain in effect at
least into 2022. (And any traveler who's not willing to go along with
local regulations should stay home.)

Also, I'm concerned about the likelihood of false starts as people
rush "back to normal" before things truly are normal. I shudder at the
possibility of re-living spring 2020: cancellations, dashed dreams,
travelers stranded far from home. If the past year has taught us
anything, it's that what we think we know can change in an instant.
Personally, I'd rather keep being patient until Europe has a chance to
iron out those frustrating wrinkles.

That's why we're holding off, for now, on restarting our tour program
for 2021. We may decide to run some tours later in the year — but only
if Europe is able to provide the kind of experiential travel that is
fundamental to our tour program.

"Are you considering a trip? What factors are important to you?"
Nine months ago, we booked a 3 ½ weeks trip to Switzerland for September 2021; part independent travel, and part tour group. However, as I stated in another post, we are going to cancel shortly while we can still get 100% refund. Part of the allure of traveling is interacting with people, and having the freedom to wander around without worrying about health issues, or wearing masks. Somehow, being on tour while everyone is masked is not my ideal European vacation. I must admit I am influenced by Rick's philosophy of traveling.
The downside is, we may never get to Europe again because we are both in our 70s, so for now we are content enjoying our corner of the state, doing wildflower walks/hikes and connecting with family.

We’re more committed now than ever to go on that Italy/London trip for which our airfare has already been paid, and lodging for part of the trip is booked. Yesterday’s CDC announcement that it’s all about being vaccinated, will hopefully lend credence to the EU’s intention to open for vaccinated tourists. Even if we’re wearing masks on the plane, airport shuttles, trains, bicycle rental shop, street market, even in the WC, so be it. Things in the next 4 1/2 could change for the better, as more of the world continues to get vaccinated, so we’re looking ahead, not back. Well, we’ll be looking around, too.

Are you considering a trip?
2 weeks in Greece for June are booked. 1 week in Paris in Sept

What factors are important to you?
- We are all vaccinated, none of us are high risk.
- For Greece, and even Paris, we are fine skipping inside sights - beach time, walking through new landscapes and sitting outside at a cafe will be fine. We just need to get out of America and hear different languages, experience the broader world again.
- We all have travel insurance, (husband worked for AAA so knows his insurance) , that covers for Covid, medical evacuations, 80% of trip costs for changes cancellations etc. There are cheaper policies with many restrictions but we went for more coverage, and it was $300 with Allianz for four people. This will be a no brainer for us for all trips, likely for several years.
- What Bets said: once the vaccinations ramp up things change very quickly
- we're ok with the extra hassle of navigating pre/post covid tests to transit in the UK and return to the US
- No quarantine on either side.
- I'm an RN and if the past year has taught me anything it's that life goes by fast - be careful, be smart, but live it to the fullest while you can.

My itchy travel feet just could not wait for European countries to decide if they were going to let Vaccinated travelers in.

So we went ahead and booked Egypt which is open for tourism, for October.
And for 2022, we are again returning to the African continent for safari. I am hoping to squeeze in a trip to Europe as well next year, but we shall see.

We have bought tickets to Germany also. We just need to travel while we can. Since we are vaccinated, our main factor is will they allow us in the country. We will just be relieved to be there whether any sites are open or not. We have reserved hotels that can be cancelled or changed. We are seniors and need to travel while we are able. We will wear masks and follow any directives they have.

“be careful, be smart, but live it to the fullest while you can.”

GZK, those are exactly my sentiments for living my life. Kindred spirits.

Yes, we are going to France for 3 weeks in August. We will be staying in an apartment in Paris most of the time but will likely venture elsewhere for a week or so. We are “slow travelers” and prefer to stay put and settle in rather than visit somewhere new every few days. This is our third trip to France, and we will perfectly happy if all we are able to do is wander around Paris and eat baguettes! My husband, teen daughter and I are all vaccinated. We have our fingers crossed we can visit Japan in March 2022, as we had planned in 2020.

My family is not planning a trip this year because we have planned a couple of trips in the United States instead. We are vaccinated and would wait to go when all museums are fully open and the mask mandates are not mandatory. We also would hope that proof of vaccination would suffice and no pre covid testing required. We are not anti maskers but we want to be comfortable walking around in the heat of summer.
We are hoping to be on A Rick Steves tour in June of 2022. Hoping for the best. Have a great time for all of you traveling to Europe this Summer!

Definitely going to Greece un mid June unless something collapses. For us the must haves were that we ourselves needed to be fully vaccinated, and we worked hard to find flights that route directly from the US to Athens in case of shut down in other countries or general EU. Important to us are outdoor actvities—beaches, arch sites, outside seating at cafes—with Greece the indoor stuff isn’t as crucia. Also instrumental for us was availablity of PCR tests at airport.

My trip to Spain is for 14 nights (13 on the ground, one night on the plane on the way there). Obviously I will follow common sense: if American Tourists are allowed in, but if quarantines are required on arrival in Spain and/or after arrival home, that would be the same as if my trip won't work, which is the same as them canceling my trip for me, even though I would have to do the actual work of canceling my hotels and calling the airline and my travel insurance. I doubt my trip insurance was a good use of money because I doubt it will cover pandemic-related excuses they won't let me in. I need to call my trip insurance. I only paid for "cancel for qualified reasons only" including death or sickness of a family member.

But if I can't reserve bus or train trips between cities in Spain, by 2 months in advance, I might be screwed or might have to cancel even if Spain is open to American tourists.

The museums and castles have to be open.

Transportation has to work enough for me. I would rather not rent a car if I can avoid it.

I really hope the coat rooms or lockers at sites will not be closed.

My mother will be so horrified when she finds out about my trip if I can travel. But that is how she has always reacted to my travel and now the pandemic is just another excuse she has for why I shouldn't travel.

Edit: my trip is in October.

Hi gang,

I have a ticket on Lufthansa to Munich in mid-July for the opera festival (exchanged last year's for this summer.
Hopefully Germany will be open to tourists by then. However, in the event that it isn't, I would go to Spain.
Question: should I buy a refundable ticket to Spain now as a contingency backup, or do you think we'll know soon enough about Germany?

We have our reservations for Croatia booked, just deposits. We are 6 adults traveling, all vaccinated. Most relatives in Croatia have also been vaccinated. We haven’t booked airfare yet because 2 of us are hoping to stop in Paris on the way home, early October. Just biding our time, waiting for more good news from abroad.

Yes, we took a leap of faith and booked an open jaws ticket using American Airlines miles. We fly into Barcelona on August 12 and home from Rome on October 11. Miles can always be redeposited if “things go south”.
Where we travel will be based on a location’s comfort and readiness for American tourists. We’re fully vaccinated. We know our last two weeks will be with my sister in law near Rome.

We are leaving this Thursday to Greece for three weeks. The most important factors are our own vaccinations and the ability to (mostly) control our surroundings. We're opting for outdoor activities (indoor activities being transportation). It helps that we've been to Greece before and are okay with skipping museums/indoor activities. Restrictions are also important: if most things are closed, we would not be going. We are expecting to wear masks (knowing we'll be wearing masks for a few years), so it's not a deal-breaker (I'm a teacher and know I'll have to wear masks in the classroom next year). Other than that, knowing we're all part of this shared narrative, makes travel somewhat easier because EVERYONE ON THE PLANET has been affected by COVID. We all hated it, and we all suffered.

JS: be aware of random covid tests at the Athens airport. Several reports of false positives and people ending up in quarantine. Demand an immediate PCR test. Don't let them get away with this.

We are hopeful we can go the first week of July, either the UK or Spain. We currently have tickets to Heathrow departing 7/1. If the UK doesn't open up soon we may go to Spain instead. Not sure how the transit would work since we'd be using separate tickets (JFK -> LHR, LHR -> MAD).

I have been looking into landside transit at Heathrow simply because I have a ticket to London and no that’s not where I’m going. You will have to have the required Covid test and you will have to fill out the paperwork for quarantine, but there’s a place where you put in basically that you’re in country whatever it is one day etc. If you do overnight on either end of your trip you have to go to the hotel and basically quarantine there so make sure you pick one that has room service because you will go to your room and you will not be leaving again until it’s time to go back to the airport