Cities, states, and
even countries are reopening to tourists. Not all, but many.
On June 15, most
European countries opened their borders to residents of its member countries.
Spain waited until June 21. And on July 1, the Europeans will tentatively open
their borders to international tourist for the first time in four months.
While there are
stipulations like your country's infection rates have to be held in check,
sorry U.S., they are allowing tourist.
Similar to the U.S. where certain states are blocking other states
domestic travelers. Key West authorities arrested a woman and sent her back to
Florida for trying to visit. New Mexico said they love tourist, just not right
now.
And cruise lines?
Oh, the poor cruise lines. Spain has said no cruise ships can dock in any
Spanish port for the foreseeable future. Norwegian cruise lines said all
cruises are suspended at least through September. That is the entire summer
season. Although they are making exceptions for the Pacific Northwest. And a
week ago, the first Danube-Rhine river cruise made it without mishap.
However, Greece
welcomed one of its first international flights a couple of weeks ago from
Qatar - 12 people on board tested positive for Coronavirus.
We are not out of
the woods yet.
Last week, I
cancelled my family's 3-week Spain trip that was to depart July 8. I poured
over news reports daily about the
Europe's reopening. But with a potential quarantine for travelers, U.S.
infection rates increasing, the need for reciprocal travel arrangements (the
U.S. is still blocking travel from Europe), and my airline change my flight
where I would have to literally time travel backwards three hours to make my
flight, I figured it was time.
Fortunately, I was
able to cancel everything and get full refunds except one hostel in Spain.
Somehow I overlooked their no cancellation policy. If that was all it cost me,
plus my hopes and dreams, I was ok with that.
Are you planning on
traveling?
Take care.
Posts Tuesday and
Saturday
