So with the recent increase of US covid cases I'm wondering about the likelihood of the US losing its status on the EU white list of countries with low per capita cases. I realize that even before we reached white list status some countries were already allowing US tourists to visit, but I'm concerned that dropping the US from the list if it happens might have a ripple effect of restrictive decisions on tourist travel.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
It's probably best to think of everything as dynamic, in flux, and subject to change....and just try to manage expectations, emotions, and financial risk around that. There are a variety of possible reactions to rising cases. Different countries/ regions have different responses, even to the same information. The world is too interconnected to avoid ripple effects altogether.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17908 posts
I was fortunate in that the places I was interested in this year have all been very consistent in their policies for a number of months.
I had no trouble finding 6 that met that requirement.
The only significant changes in policies have been to the good since I booked my flights (I avoided having to get a test for Ukraine).
I have had no issues crossing any borders; just my CDC card and a smile.
My only concern is the US; as the US doesn't accept the CDC card (huh?)
Posted by
Davis CA
759 posts
Travel to Europe (Western) during 2021 is a gamble. Odds of things going south are small but if they do….. If you have the time and money go but if either are of Critical importance to you then be careful.
Posted by
Freedonia
14987 posts
If you don't like the rules today, wait until tomorrow. They may change. And then they may change the next day.
No one can predict the future of travel in the age of Covid.
Posted by
4517 posts
The US also did not reciprocate
International tourism isn’t an economic driver for very much of the US geographically. Europe has much more to gain from open borders.
In any event if you want to go and the situation is good, go now. Things may be worse in the fall, or in all of 2022 for that matter. Personally pleased we decided to be in Iceland now. No masking and everything open. Crowded sites unfortunately at the most famous places. What’s odd is the lack of British and just a few German tourists. Europeans here heavily Italian and French, or Spanish or other Scandinavian.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7544 posts
I have trips planned, Italy in September, a beer trip in late November, and Spain in Feb/March. The concern over changing restrictions are real, but I am optimistic. We have shifted gears a bit though, for Italy we have held off making reservations, and have expanded our research to come up with plan B...and C. Our position will be, as long as we can get to Europe, to be flexible enough to go where restrictions are the least severe. As for the US falling to a high risk category, it may in the next couple weeks, but I think many countries opening doors are "in for a penny, in for a pound" where they are willing to tolerate more risk for tourism, and may increase efforts to move from "being open for everyone" to managing vaccinated tourists.
I have noticed however that you need to closely read cancellation policies. Many hotels burned by the "refundable-nonrefundable policy" are increasing their notification dates (from a few nights before to a month or so before your dates) for cancellation, and specifically state that covid restrictions will not change the refund policy. Same with budget air tickets, and maybe even train tickets. I think any travel comes with a heavy dose of "buyer beware", but I am ready to get out there and willing to deal with some hassle to do so.