Travel…a word that’s on many people’s minds these days. Should I? Shouldn’t I? Is it safe? 
 
Well, I had the same questions about taking a vacation. It was my recent birthday (a monumental one) that had me thinking. And wondering. Where can I go and remain safe? What’s open for business these days? As a travel advisor, I can gather information and investigate resources at my fingertips, and AAA has a wealth of resources. I was most interested in what the travel industry is doing to keep us safe. So I decided to see for myself.
 
I had the opportunity to travel to Riviera Maya in Mexico with my boyfriend. I paid close attention to what the airports, airlines, and my resort were doing to protect myself and other travelers so that we could remain healthy and worry-free. I was pleasantly surprised that their standards were high, and my expectations were exceeded. 
 
The day before I left, I checked in online for my flight and downloaded my boarding passes onto my phone. This was a nice option for minimal contact. Walking into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, I noticed signs reminding travelers to wear masks to keep everyone safe. I was able to show my electronic boarding pass to the agent at the desk and check my luggage quickly. Going through the security line, markers reminded every traveler where to stand to remain six feet apart. Hand sanitizer was readily available. Upon reaching our gate, the seating scenario encouraged social distancing as well. Every other seat had a sticker on it that said, "please do not sit here." As we were called to board the plane, they ensured the travel parties spread out safely.

My biggest worry was the plane ride. I knew the airlines were taking steps to keep everyone safe, but would I feel comfortable? As I boarded each of my Delta flights, the flight attendant handed a sanitizing wipe to each passenger. As we took our seats, I noticed there was no one directly next to us, and every middle seat was vacant. Two of my flights were at one-third capacity, and the others were about two-thirds full. The flight attendants asked that we all keep our masks on for the duration of the flight, and the Captain reiterated this to passengers several times during the flight. 
 
When it was time for in-flight beverage service, we received a sealed plastic bag containing bottled water and more hand sanitizer. A Delta Airlines’ video illustrated in detail the cleaning and sanitizing process for the planes, which includes wiping down every touchpoint and “hosing down” the plane's interior. I was pleased to learn that the air is recirculated every two to six minutes with fresh, outside air through industrial-grade HEPA filters (like those in hospital operating rooms). They wanted to keep us healthy! 
 
Both JFK and Atlanta airports had the same standards of social distancing, mask-wearing, and signs to remind you to wash your hands. Bar stools and tables were spaced apart at airport restaurants, and many offered a QR code for each table and/or bar stool to avoid touching menus. All I had to do was aim my phone camera at the code. Bam! It brought up the menu. I ordered and could even add the tip through the touchless process. 
 
We were encouraged to complete our immigration and customs forms online or use the QR codes when possible. When we arrived at the airport in Mexico, I was happy to see the same safety standards. We had a private transfer waiting for us - I would highly recommend this for social distancing! Another sign reminded us to wear our masks and keep our coughs to ourselves to keep us and the driver safe. 

As we arrived at our beautiful resort, El Dorado Maroma, we went to the lobby to check in with very few people sharing the same space. I started to think about having to set up our necessary Covid-19 tests while at the resort, but I didn’t need to worry about a thing. The resort staff assigned us our appointed time, which was two days before our departure, and they showed us the testing facility on the property. Wow…that was easy! And it was free! The only responsibility we had was to once again aim our phones at the QR code on the wall and fill out the form online. 
 
I noticed two signs in the lobby and around the resort that displayed Karisma Properties’ Piece of Mind standards. One illustrated the need to wear masks when indoors and walking around fellow vacationers and the other to maintain a social distance of six feet whenever possible. That sounded familiar! I learned that the resort was between 25-30% capacity so everyone had plenty of space to spread out. Our room had a small sign which let us know it had been deep cleaned and sanitized.
 
The testing itself was a piece of cake and very organized. They were expecting us, and we quickly and efficiently completed the Covid-19 test, so we could get back to doing what we do best…relaxing on the beach with a warm breeze and a cold Pina Colada!
 
I was curious to see if staff members were consistent with standards and I never saw any employee without a mask…in fact, most wore matching “I Love Mexico” masks with a smile underneath! Every frontline employee, restaurant server, bartender, and housekeeping staff took every necessary safety precaution. Like at home, the restaurants had tables spread out, and bars and nightclubs had bar seating six feet apart. Even the swim-up bars encouraged social distancing. When ordering our dinners, we could scan the code and bring up the menu on our phones. 
 
Outside, luckily, no masks were necessary for the large pool or the beach so we could enjoy our drinks, sunshine, and the tropical breeze. 

I left a little piece of me behind in Mexico, but I took away a lot more. I dared to experience international travel during a pandemic while the travel industry is just getting back on its feet. I was full of emotion before my trip with some concerns. During my trip, I was filled with laughter, happiness, and relaxation. After my trip, I felt some sadness to leave the little slice of paradise. 

I found my mask-wearing there just another accessory. It did not at all take the joy out of my experience (and, from what I observed, no one else’s either). I encountered a unique but amazing adventure - one that will go down in history for me! My friends, family, and clients asked if I felt safe while on my trip, and I answered confidently: “Yes.” Now I ask myself, “When am I ever going to travel again?” And the answer is, as soon as possible!

When you’re ready to travel, know that AAA is here for you before, during, and after your trip – and throughout this pandemic. Find inspiring travel opportunities at:

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