The Houston Travel Agent

What is it Like Traveling to Mexico During the Pandemic

Russell Knott — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 20:44:09 +0000

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.

Best Places to Travel in 2021

Russell Knott — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 20:37:06 +0000

The worldwide pandemic has affected every country, state, and city. With so many different rules, laws, and restrictions related to COVID-19, it can be confusing as to where you are allowed to travel and where to stay away from. There are now three available vaccines and I am sure more options will be coming soon. The world is beginning to open back up. Airlines are flying more routes and hotels are open and increasing occupancy rates. Travel professionals report that vacation bookings are on the rise and 65% of those vacation bookings are international travels.

True, traveling will look very different in the near future and for who knows how long. There are many new protocols, testing, and cleaning practices being implemented. However, due to the lower occupancy rates, the resorts and destinations are less crowded. This is creating a more personalized touch of customer service. Resorts, restaurants, and other tourism-based industries are focusing on the individual and truly trying to provide value to each person. This is creating more intimate and immersive vacations.

The Top 5 Places to Visit Internationally in 2021 for US Travelers

1. Riviera Maya, Mexico.

The Riviera Maya area in Mexico blends the azure water of the Caribbean with the lush landscape of the Yucatan. Here, the ocean meets the jungle. The most popular destinations in this area include Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but locations such as Akumal and Puerto Aventuras offer a variety of accommodations as well. We love this area for the short flight time, affordable flights and valuable resorts, variety of excursions, and the art and culture of the Riviera Maya area with numerous Mayan ruins to visit. Relax all day on the pristine beaches or zipline through the jungle and splash into a cenote. It is up to you and, here, there is something for all ages.

2. Jamaica.

Jamaica is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that is open and accepting visitors. You will need a negative COVID test before arriving and prior to coming back to the USA. Jamaica has established a “resilient corridor” for travelers. These areas include the popular resorts in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. In these areas, you are free to explore and local service providers are held to stricter guidelines and tests by the government. With an abundance of all-inclusives and many offering free nights, Jamaica has tremendous value for all travelers in 2021.

3. Maldives.

You know those photos with the over the water bungalows on social media you keep seeing that make you want to quit everything and go now? Those are likely in the Maldives. The beauty, sophistication, and tranquility of the Maldives in unmatched. Secluded resorts providing luxury accommodations and bespoke services are a plenty in the Maldives. Some resorts require testing upon arrival and quarantine in your room the first night. Once your test comes back negative, you are free to explore the resort mask free. This is great because it makes sure the entire resort or island you are staying at is free of the COVID disease. Vacation worry free as you know everyone you come in contact has provided a negative test. The Maldives has implemented the world’s first destination loyalty program giving you even more reason to keep returning to these first class resorts.

4. Los Cabos, Mexico.

Mexico makes it on our list again but this time over on the Pacific side. Los Cabos is an area comprised of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. While Cabo San Lucas is the more well-known location, San Jose del Cabo and neighboring cities such as La Paz and Todos Santos also provide dreamy vacation escapes. Popular with sport fishermen, divers, and socialites, this area offers stunning beaches, outstanding cuisine, and a variety of water adventures. We love Cabo San Lucas for all ages but find it the perfect location for couples and groups.

5. Belize.

Belize will continue to make it on all our lists of places you need to visit. This is proof that we are not trying to sell you packages but rather provide you with experiences as Belize offers very few resorts that work with travel advisors. We just truly believe that Belize is the place to visit in 2021. Belize has the best people we have met on our travels. The nation reminds us of Texas as everyone says hello and has a smile on their face. With a simple 2 to 1 currency exchange, a native language of English, and a variety of activities, Belize is the place to be in 2021. Explore Mayan ruins, go cave tubing, stay in the jungle with howler monkeys and macaws, or dive the Blue Hole. Don’t forget about the white sand beaches either!

We know you are ready to go see the world again but have some worries. We understand that as we do as well. These locations provide safe travel options for families, couples, honeymoons, or any adventures. Traveling anytime can be stressful and worrisome. Having a professional travel advisor as your ally is a valuable asset. Our certified travel agents will not only design the vacation of your dreams but will also make sure it is stress free and provide you with any COVID-19 updates that you need to know about. Give The Houston Travel Agent a call today to schedule your consolation for your dream vacation.

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring San Pedro and Ambergris Caye

Russell Knott — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 13:52:23 +0000

It’s no secret that the country of Belize and, in particular, the island of Ambergris Caye is our favorite place to go at this time. We recently spent seven days there and they are doing a terrific job of keeping the tourists and locals safe and healthy. The protocols are being followed and there are wash and hand sanitizer stations all over town. So now that they have COVID under control and are constantly winning that fight, it is time to once again travel and visit Belize. This is our ultimate guide to exploring the island in four days.

Day 1

Arrive to the beautiful city of San Pedro via Tropic Air. Truly the best airline I have ever flown with. You will be amazed at the crystal-clear water and reef system as you fly over. Welcome to San Pedro. Your bags will come in less than five minutes and you will be ready to get on your way. But before you do, walk across the street and start your journey with a cold fresh tapped Belikin beer. Belikin beer is the beer of Belize and is delicious. Year round they offer a light, a lager, and a stout. My personal favorite is the stout. You also need to give the new beers a try, Pirate and 501. Sorry, I digress there. It’s easy to do for me with beer in Belize.

Grab your golf cart and get a bite to eat prior to leaving downtown for your resort. One of my favorite places to grab lunch is the Nauti Crab. Nauti crab is located on front Street and offers multiple activities throughout the week such as trivia night and hermit crab races. Their food and drinks are as great as the view. Spend some time settling in and exploring the grounds of your resort. Take a nice stroll on the beach and look for sea-pods. Time for a nice dinner to watch the sunset. For this, I suggest Rain Rooftop Restaurant and Bar. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy some cocktails and delicious local food.

Day 2

Now that you’re all settled in, it’s time to go explore. First, fill up on the best Belizean breakfast in town at Estel’s. Estel’s offers terrific views of the sunrise as well as affordable prices for great food. You can’t go wrong here with anything on the menu.

The must do attraction is the snorkel tour of Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. This half day, two stop snorkel tour showcases the beauty of the reef system that protects Belize. You will swim with a variety of stingrays, fish, eels, nurse sharks, lobster, octopus, parrot fish, and so much more. It is truly an amazing experience. For those who want a little more adventure, ask about the nighttime snorkel or dive.

Before you head back to your resort, grab some lunch at Elvi’s. Elvis has a restaurant on Center Street that offers inside dining with an outside atmosphere. Sand lines the floor and the mahogany all around makes you feel like you are dining outside. With all the terrific food options it is no wonder this is a favorite for locals and tourists. If you’re still up for a great drink, take the free boat ride over to Brahma Blue and relax at Coco Café. This restaurant and bar located on the lagoon offers free boat taxi rides to and from the island. Also, anyone dining at the restaurant can enjoy the resort’s pool. The boat leaves every Belizean hour. Tonight, would be the night to check out the local clubs if that is your things. Jaguar’s on the beach is a fun option.

Day 3

Everyone must go to Secret Beach during their time in San Pedro. Start your long day off with a few breakfast tacos from Neri’s Tacos. Neri’s Is located on Back Street near the airport. For $5 BZ you will get a full breakfast. On your way north stop by Fresh Farm for the best homemade and refreshing smoothie. Fresh Farm is located across from Mara Laguna on the only road that heads north. My personal favorite is the Tropical Blizz but they are all good.

Before driving out to Secret Beach, do yourself a favor and go enjoy an early lunch and sometime in the refreshing infinity pool at Rojo bar and Lounge. You MUST order the conch fritters and you can thank me later with a Belikin. The service and relaxing environment makes it one of our favorites.

Head on out to secret beach (be sure to look up our YouTube video for the back road to secret beach) to enjoy the rest of the day. Secret beach offers something for everyone. Laid-back bars and restaurants, water sports, an inflatable water park for the kids or kids at heart, and a terrific in water dining experience at Blue Bayou. My personal favorite spot is Aurora’s because of the laid-back atmosphere, great hot sauce and food, and the people. That is what is truly special about Belize, it’s people. I could digress on this for a long time but will stick to the topic. Aurora’s is located in front of Secret Beach Cabanas. Be sure to ask Josh to make you his spicy margarita. To entertain the kids, purchase an hour pass for $10 to play on the inflatable waterpark while you sip your cocktail and snack on local food at Happy Island or Pirates bar. You can’t go wrong with any location really and I suggest you explore the beach to find your favorite spot. While there, enjoy a nice massage offered on the pier at Pirates bar. It is well worth the $40. After you’ve gotten plenty of sun, food, and drinks, head over to the infamous Truck Stop. The Truck Stop has different food trailers offering a variety of cuisine as well as a bar with craft cocktails and craft beer. This is one of the few places on the island you can find an IPA or other craft style beers. They also have an amazing ice cream trailer serving up sundaes and more. The Truck Stop has nightly entertainment including movie nights by the pool, Family Fued and trivia night. Truck Stop is a great place for entertainment for all ages.

Day 4

Soak up the sunrise and fresh air one more time. Head over to the FryJack on Front Street and fill yourself up on a cheap, huge breakfast. Fry jacks are a local favorite and consist of a variety of fillings encased by a fried homemade tortilla of sorts. It is big and filling as well as delicious. The fun part about Fry jacks is you can watch them make your breakfast or lunch from start to finish. They also offer dinner specials such as a lobster fry jack that is to die for. Time to head back to reality.

Please let me know your thoughts on this 4-day trip. What would you change? What are your must do’s of San Pedro?