With our sold out trip to Greece coming up in September and as we think about adding a trip to Bali in October, we’ve been asked lately, “why would you be planning international trips with so much uncertainty and risk? And when will international travel return?”

We completely understand the concern. And we respect the concern. Safety and well-being for our participants and guests have always been our number one priority. Our trip leaders are going on these trips also. We not only want to make sure the trip is safe for our participants, but also for our employees attending the trips.

However, we all make decisions and choices for our own lives. And yes, for the coronavirus and many other things (like adhering to the speed limit so we protect pedestrians and other drivers on the road), we need to make sure we make decisions that will protect others as well.

But we often make big decisions in our lives. Many choose to remain in an unhappy job because they receive great health benefits or they get paid well. Many choose to eat a specific diet or consume unhealthy substances. Many choose to drive over the speed limit putting others at risk. We all make decisions that come with risks, to ourselves and to others. Some consequences of these risks may be unknown, but most consequences are known and documented.

If you are making a choice to travel later this year or next year (or ever really), you certainly are not going to leave the country if you have the coronavirus or have symptoms. You will not be infecting others when you do travel. So if the concern for traveling now isn’t about infecting others, the concern remains: “I don’t want to get the coronavirus and I don’t want to get stuck somewhere if something happens.”

Let’s pause for a moment: when has travel been 100% risk-free prior to covid-19? Risks like malaria, bird flu, West Nile virus, intestinal viruses, terrorism, kidnapping, theft, car or biking accidents, etc. For those who have ever traveled, you have traveled with risks. These risks have always been there. And yes, many of these are rarer and less “spreadable”, but the risks – some of them deadly – already exist (and still do – just no one is counting and sharing the results as closely as they are covid-19).

We are certainly not trying to downplay the risks of the global pandemic. We are sharing facts. Our minds have been exposed to a lot of media lately that has funneled our thinking into a singular topic. It is important to remember how dynamic we are and that we are intelligent human beings. We have many thoughts and we have the power to choose what our minds think, believe and take up our mind’s space. Sometimes, we need a rational reminder and boost.

Travel Industry Prepares

Airlines, airports, taxi services, hotels – the entire travel industry knows how important it is for travelers to remain safe. Their existence depends on it. The last thing they want is for a tourist or traveler (or multiple travelers) be exposed to something. So one could argue traveling should be safer than before (just like it was following 9/11).

Traveling will be different from before. And for those traveling, you will need to embrace the change and wear your patience cap. You may encounter temperature checks or may be asked to wear a face mask. The entire industry is working hard right now to ensure travelers are as safe as possible – just as they always have in the past.

As countries begin to create the plans to welcome tourists back, domestic travel will be the early focus followed by reopening international air travel. Flights between Europe and the US are expected to resume in June. 

While flights will exist in the summer and fall, the largest concern most have for international travel will be any quarantine requirements upon arriving in a specific country as well as arriving back in the United States. Currently mandatory 14 day self quarantine are required in most countries, however as countries begin to re-open and plan for tourism, these requirements most likely will be adjusted.

There are some destinations that are ahead of the planning curve! If you haven’t already heard, Greece is one of Europe’s success stories for combating the coronavirus pandemic. The Greek government quickly enforced an early and strict lockdown once news broke of the virus spread in Europe. On April 28, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the government’s cautious two-month plan to gradually reopen its economy and ease its coronavirus restrictions. And part of that plan is opening up the country for tourism this summer!

In fact, Greece is the first EU country to unveil plans to welcome tourists back. According to the US Embassy & Consulate in Greece seasonal tourist accommodations and restoration of regular sea ferry traffic to and between the islands is planned to begin by mid-June.

With all of this information, we do not recommend traveling over the next several months. We do need more time to see how this situation plays out. And the travel industry needs more time to plan the best way to protect travelers.