We’ve been cooped up for way too long. What day of quarantine is it? We’ve lost count. But if you are wondering if you’ll be able to keep or make summer 2020 plans, we have some facts for you. From the Caribbean to Europe, you’ll surely be able to escape from home enclosure to paradise, safe and sound. Make sure to regularly check back in here as we plan to keep this list updated on a timely basis.
Caribbean
Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya are expected to open the second week of June. The resorts will take precautionary measures to keep visitors feeling safe and at peace. These measures include: thorough staff training, enhanced frequent cleanings, and reduced hotel occupancy. Like the airports, many resorts plan to implement health screenings in addition to temperature checks and thermographic imaging.
Barceló Hotel Group launched the “We Care About You” commitment to safety, entailing a litany of safety measures across food, beverage, and hotel operations. If you’re particularly looking for an escape to hang around similar-aged humans, you may want to consider the 5-star all-inclusive adults-only Barceló Maya Riviera. We adults could surely use a getaway.
The Dominican Republic has kept its land, air, and sea borders closed since March 17th and has extended its closure until June 2nd. The country has taken stringent measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases and to protect future travelers from visiting the country. The majority of the resorts in Punta Cana are expected to open July 1st and the rest will open around July 15th. Sanitization protocols include deep cleaning of rooms and allowing 24 hours to pass before offering the room to the next guest who checks in. Masks will be required in the lobby and shared amenities, but not necessary in the beach area as long as you maintain your distance. Buffets will be served by a masked and gloved employee. Antibacterial hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout all areas of the hotel. Well, this all sounds safe to us! Pass us the rum because we are ready to brindar!
EUROPE
For those of you wondering whether you’ll be able to dance on tables in Mykonos this summer, we have some good news! Greece announced opening its doors to tourists on June 15th. International visitors will be subjected to a health screening in addition to a COVID-19 test at the airport (Athens is the only airport that will be opened for the time being). Guests will then be transported to a government-designated hotel for 24 hours until test results are out. If you tested positive, you are released to venture to your destination. If you don't test positive, you will be quarantined for 14 days and you will be provided with strict safety guidelines. While no bars or nightclubs will be open, you’ll still be able to experience the beauty of the country’s beaches, food, and friendly people. It’s Greece, after all. Who actually needs bars and nightclubs, when you can eat spanakopita and drink a shot of Ouzo while laying out under the Grecian sun with a view of Mediterranean turquoise water. And who knows, perhaps you still may be able to dance on tables...while social distancing of course! OPA!
We’ve seen how Italy has been impacted by COVID-19; however, for the last few months, the country has observed a significant drop in cases. It has also begun easing lockdown measures. People are exercising outdoors and visiting friends and family. Va bene! Restaurants and cafes have begun opening with sanitary measures in place. Un espresso, per favore! The Vatican Museum will open June 1st to local Romans for now, but eventually to foreigners. Hallelujah! And last but not least, the foreign travel ban will be lifted on June 3rd. Mamma mia, finally.
While Italy’s borders will only be opened to European visitors initially, the country will soon be ready to welcome the rest of the world. As for taking a dip in Italian waters, Sardinia’s La Pelosa beach, Taormina beaches in Sicily, and Jesolo in Venice are expecting customers soon to keep businesses afloat.
Every step of the visitor experience to any of these beach destinations has been carefully deliberated with a set of protocols to ensure the wellbeing of guests and employees and to deliver the quality of service one would expect. Many beach resorts and hotels are also making their booking policies as flexible as possible so that you may be able to re-book for a later date, if need be. So check in with us and we’ll work with you to find you the most feasible destination for your escape. We’ve got you covered.
For more information on the impact of COVID-19 on airlines and hotel destinations, please read here.