Vacationing this year looks a little different than it has in the past, and we can thank a global pandemic for changing travel as we know it, both in air and land. With such a threat looming over the fate of popular tourist destinations, the Caribbean, by far one of the most popular vacation spots, has not been immune to the reality of 2020.
Many tropical islands attempted to provide comfort by way of virtual travel, in which travelers aren't even required to leave their houses to enjoy the beauty of a tropical paradise. Others have been monitoring the situation closely and have begun putting together action plans for reopening, something many travelers are hesitant about.
So when it's all said and done, what will travel to one of the world's top destinations look like? With so many islands to consider and many different approaches to handling the global crisis, it helps to know which locations are planning what in anticipation of tourist season.
Aruba Is Slated To Open By July The Latest
According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, the country will likely be open by July 1st. While the country plans to initiate tourism again by June 15th, the earliest, it will still be a slow and careful process. Outdoor restaurants were given permission to open - with a curfew in place - back at the end of May, and tourism-related businesses were required to undergo a sanitation certification prior to reopening. Travelers who are missing ocean breezes and tranquil beach vibes can hold themselves over with this cool virtual vacation.
The Bahamas Will Open First To Private Travel
The Bahamas has changed quite a bit over the years, and it saw just over 100 cases of Covid-19 this year. While they're still using an abundance of caution when it comes to a reopening date, as of right now, international travel is expected to resume July 1st - but this date doesn't apply to private yachts and planes. Anyone traveling with their own private transportation will have access to the islands as early as June 15th, with precautions in place, as many non-essential businesses still remain closed for the time being.
The Dominican Republic Has No Plans As Of Yet With A Significant Number Of Cases
Out of all the islands, the Dominican Republic saw a steep incline of over 17,000 cases. There isn't much news rolling in from the country other than the announcement that their borders are still closed to all travel, including land, sea, and air. There are no plans to reopen at the current time and no references have been made regarding summer travel or tourism, although they have mandated masks in public and have followed suit with other Caribbean islands, initiating a curfew to curve social interaction.
Jamaica Is Still Reviewing Their Options, But Southwest Airlines Announced A Date
While Jamaica hasn't provided potential travelers with a specific reopening date, Southwest Airlines spoke up to answer questions. The airline said that they would be opening airfare from Orland to Montego Bay beginning June 7th, although it's unclear whether or not this would allow non-essential personnel to the island. A decision will likely be arrived at soon enough, however, the island is still upholding its nightly curfew.
Travelers Bound For Puerto Rico Might Be Asked To Self-Isolate For Two Weeks
Puerto Rico is currently in the process of reopening, although they've initiated strict rules in order to do so in the most careful way possible. Beaches have been opened with social distancing restrictions in place, as well as restaurants with capacity restraints. Hotels are currently open but any places for social gatherings - such as pools and lounges - remain off-limits to tourists. The country has enforced mask-wearing in public and is also enforcing a nightly curfew, along with reserving the right to put travelers in quarantine for 14 days after they've arrived.
Turks And Caicos Saw Low Numbers But Plans To Initiate A Strict Protocol
Turks and Caicos have announced the latest date of July 22nd, despite the fact that they've had a fairly low number of cases - 12. The islands were initially closed back in March and both seaports and airports were closed down during that time. Face masks are required while in public and a nightly curfew is being enforced here as well, and while new protocol has been enacted, the island's cruise ports remained closed until August 31st.