We have spoken to many of our past clients, friends, and family members and they all are ready to go back on vacation. The concern for them, though, is how to do it safely and socially responsibe. We have a duty to not only protect ourselves but also take as many precautions as possible to protect others during this pandemic. But we cannot just become recluses and not do anything. We must continue to press on but with newly implemented procedures and cleaning practices. We have now traveled to Mexico twice during the pandemic and have experienced the same care and hospitality both times. Wondering what to expect when traveling to Mexico from the United States during the pandemic?
One thing you can expect is extreme cleanliness and attention to detail at the resorts and public tourist areas. Once you arrive to the airport you will immediately see how Mexico has implemented numerous safety precautions in order to keep tourists and locals healthy. With cleaning floor mats, hand sanitizer stations everywhere and temperature checks before entering taxis or resorts, you can be assured that things are clean. In fact, I believe that they are cleaner in Mexico than they are here locally. It is vital that they protect their tourism industry and are doing so with the implemented regulations. Hand sanitizer is offered by everyone from tour guides to hotel luggage clerks. Door handles and other public surfaces are wiped down constantly. Most resorts offer on-site clinics for COVID-19 testing so that you can return to the United States safely. Should you test positive, resorts have protocols in place to quarantine you and provide you with safe accommodations.
We do suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect you from costs that may arise from a positive test. In our opinion, you have a higher chance of getting COVID in your home town than abroad. These vacation destinations are taking the pandemic seriously and those that are open are clean.
To return to the United States, you must produce a negative COVID-19 test. Most of the resorts offer on-site testing with local doctors. We were able to get tested at the Barcelo Resort where we were staying and received our results in less than 2 hours. Results are fast and easy and you never have to leave the resort to test. If you are staying at a VRBO or similar, you can access numerous test sites around the towns at the pharmacies and clinics. Lastly, you can take the nasal swab test at the airport prior to departure if you choose.
Overall, you should expect personal service and detailed cleaning procedures. The same protocols with masks and sanitation that you are seeing at home are in place in Mexico. Now is the time to travel with fewer crowds and excellent rates, Mexico is one of our top destinations in 2021. Check out our featured vacations in Mexico on our Mexico Vacations page.
Russell Knott is founder and CEO of the The Houston Travel Agent.