Southern Californians spread their wings
On the move: Knowing restrictions and rules will help make summer vacations more enjoyable
Traveling during the COVID-19 era can present a new host of challenges.
Jack Warshaw, owner of All-Ways Travel in Upland, talks about what travelers can expect, or no longer expect, as they prepare for summer travel beginning with the Memorial Day holiday. Q How have things changed for you as a veteran travel agent in the past 15 months?
A
We’ve been dealing with lots of restrictions. We have to monitor things very carefully to make sure we are covering all the possible scenarios for our customers. Things change, then they get better and
sometimes get worse. Q Once someone decides where they want to go, what extra research do they need to do? A You’ll need to know what businesses require you wear a mask. Sometimes it is based on each state’s rules. Refer to each state’s Department of Health webpage. Q There’s talk about a vaccination passport. Should you carry your vaccination record? Should you show it to folks who ask? A I keep a PDF version of mine on my phone. Guard your privacy: I would not share the paper card without a real good reason. I’d show it on my phone. These days most is done through the honor system.
Q What are the rules for airlines?
A Many (airlines) require a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours, depending on your destination. Hawaii requires a test before you arrive, and a test if you travel between islands,
which makes island hoping a little more difficult. They do not require a test to return to the mainland. However, many foreign countries require that you have a COVID-19 test before you return to the United States. Some resorts in Mexico, for example, are administering them free of charge or for a nominal fee. For foreign travel check the U.S. Embassy for that country well before you depart. Q Talk about contactless check-in at hotels, motels, Airbnbs and other vacation lodgings. A First, a smartphone is essential. There are
still people at the front desk but service is limited. We did contactless check-in. You have an app from the hotel that enables them to send you a digital key on your phone. They will also email or text you a push notification when your room is ready. There are no physical keys.
Q How has hotel service changed?
A You will have limited maid service. We stayed at a five-star hotel recently and they left a basket outside the room with fresh towels and things. You will not find daily maid service. Food service is limited in restaurants; there’s more “grab and go” options. Room Service: They leave it outside the room. Restaurants are going to electronic menus so you have to scan a QR code and it’s usually through Grubhub, DoorDash, etc. Q How has travel from the airport or public transportation within a city changed? A When we went to Texas for the World Series in October, we used Uber. A lot of hotels are not running shuttle service, but that may open up in the next few weeks. So Uber and Lyft are your best options. Those operators are taking precautions to make you feel safe. Q What advice do you give to folks traveling to a national park? A Research the park’s requirements. I hear Yosemite is going to a reservation-only system in the next week or so. Go under the assumption that service will be limited. There will be few concessionaires. When you start your trip, carry plenty of water and supplies. We drove from California to Tennessee and there were no issues with roadside services. But a national park may be different.