Why I'm Not Visiting The Caribbean (+ Essential Tips For If You Are)
It’s been 150 days since I was last in the Caribbean. And I REALLY miss it! But I won’t be going back any time soon. That’s because I believe that right now, if you’re a resident of the U.S., where COVID is running rampant, it’s irresponsible to jet off and potentially put another population at risk just because you feel you deserve a getaway - or even, in my case, for my work as a travel writer.
As Caribbean countries have reopened and we’ve seen COVID cases sharply rise (Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas). As I read about American visitors who object to local protocols and flaunt them by breaking quarantine (St Lucia), refusing to wear masks, and even threatening to sue foreign governments (Antigua). As I see countries that have reopened be forced to close their borders to U.S. visitors on commercial flights again (the Bahamas), I know this is not the right time for ME to visit. I can wait. I WILL wait.
But you may disagree. You may want to enjoy a Caribbean vacay right now. And I’m also well aware of the thousands of tourism professionals across the region who depend on visitors like you for their livelihood. I’m not here to shame you. I’m here to offer a few tips to help you travel as responsibly and safely as possible. So listen up!
1. Research the entry requirements of your destination and get tested (negative!) before you leave home.
2. Once you’re there, respect and observe all the local protocols. Be prepared to wear a face mask in public - yes even on the beach!
3. Bring your supplies with you. Disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, face masks, a thermometer, gloves ... stock up before you fly.
4. This is the ONLY time I’ll advise limiting your contact with locals. (You know I’m ALL about getting to know the locals!) But by sticking to your resort or villa you minimize the amount of people you may unknowingly spread the virus to - people who, unlike you, may not have the option of being medevaced off-island for emergency care.
5. Be considerate. Although the destination is your vacation playground, it’s also someone else’s home. Remember and respect that!
For even more tips, check out this article by my fellow Caribbean-loving travel writer (and sustainable travel expert) Lebawit Lily Girma, who also advocates educating yourself about your destination’s health care system and making sure that your travel insurance covers evacuation.
Got it? OK. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. ;-)