I think it was actually running about 11 weeks with covid but hopefully it’s improved! Do you have a Passport Agency near you? They do have non-emergency International Travel appointments sometimes.
Heard of Culebra before, but had not considered it. Thanks for this suggestion.
It’s a fun little place. You can’t get to all the beaches in motorized vehicles, so it can be an adventure too. (or rent a boat I suppose. hehe)
Today was absolutely gorgeous traveling from roughly the Charlotte, NC area up to Blacksburg, VA. A few areas were significantly past peak (leaves), but most were at, a little before peak, or a little after. Mile after mile was stunning and made for such a nice drive.
At our Alma mater we had a blast walking around among the pretty fall trees and reminiscing along with seeing all that was new (so much is new). We talked with students and enjoyed listening to them - their dreams, their love of “our” place, and more. We saw a tour too and wanted to shout out to them, “Come here, it’s great and you’ll never regret it!” but figured that would make us way too crazy even for “old fogies.”
In the buildings (didn’t do dorms) there are mask requirements and 98-99% of the students had no problem respecting that whether they were just walking through, sitting and studying/chilling, or playing pool. That gave me hope for the next generation too.
Today was nigh onto a perfect day for us wanderers.
Tomorrow we’ll see if the leaves continue to be pretty or as we head north if it gets to be too much past peak. We’re not far from home, but it could take us 4 hours (highway) or 10 (Blue Ridge/Skyline) pending views.
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We were in France in early October. We applied here Effectuer une démarche administrative en ligne · demarches-simplifiees.fr for a Covid pass. Had to submit our passport and personal info as well as upload our vax card. A week later when we were approved we downloaded the QR code and scanned it into the TousAntiCovid app. It made it super easy to go everywhere we wanted. We used the same QR code for the Swiss app when we were there. Have a great trip!!
That option is no longer available unfortunately, you have to apply after you get there: https://fr.usembassy.gov/how-to-get-a-french-health-pass/
Just back from Europe. This is a wonderful time to travel! So few tourists! Our river cruise was only half full. Staff and guests fully immunized, plus boosters for those eligible. What could be safer?
But all of this expensive PCR testing…I am starting to wonder what is the point? this is a world wide pandemic, so the spread has already occurred. Maybe there is worry about a new variant? Just wondering….
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Friends just came home from Italy. They struggled their last night to find somewhere to get a test before their flight. Got it cheapest at a local pharmacist (I think they said only a few euros).
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Yes. The labs that do PCR are likely also doing surveillance for new variants (sequencing of some of the samples).
A story
My son was in Brussels last week for work. Every day was busy except for the last when he was able to do some site seeing.
As you know, you have to be tested to fly home. Son tested, negative he goes out to see the town. Comes back to the hotel at lunch time, one of his team members who was going to Paris, tested positive. My son was considered a close contact. No more site seeing.
My son and the team member had to test again. Thankfully everyone tested negative and were allowed to go home. His wife is 6 months pregnant, they were both pretty freaked out. They’ve been very careful with the baby coming. But my son had to go on this work trip.
So, the first positive test was a false positive, or the second negative test was a false negative?
Yes, many have to travel for work and because if that can have an increased risk for exposure. I hope things work out well for them.
Exactly. He called from Dulles yesterday but his phone wouldn’t connect so he was calling on WiFi, connection wasn’t great. The first test was a PCR and the second was antigen. He tested negative on both. His co worker tested positive on the PCR but negative on the antigen. Apparently that was fine for the airlines. My son was very relieved.
Everyone was vaccinated
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It’s an interesting question about whether people are honest in these circumstances. You can do your antigen test three days beforehand and use it to get on the plane, even if you are infected by then. We always do our tests as early as possible in case of any problems. And would be very unlikely to do another test in the following three days unless you had very noticeable symptoms. But I wonder how many people would go ahead and travel rather than getting stranded in a foreign country?
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Currently on a cruise. 2/3 full capacity, but tons on kids. No masks only in certain areas (mostly adult only, and outsoors) Buffet is no self sevice, hand washing before you enter, and they scan your pass entering and leaving.
Everyone had to have a negstive test. All over 12 vaccinated
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older S is currently in the Dominican Republic. He got lucky with his air travel. United changed his flight the night before from a layover to direct. His layover was to be in Atlanta yesterday. He likely would have been been caught up in that mess.
I missed what happened in Atlanta! What happened there to disrupt travel.
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Someone “forgot” they had a loaded weapon in their carry on. Weapon discharged at TSA and caused a panic. People ran out onto the tarmac. Everyone had to go back through security. Passenger Accidentally Fired Weapon At Atlanta Airport Causing Panic, Flight Delays
He’s also a convicted felon.
Oh…did they find him…because in the article, it said he ran away and they were looking for him.
He has been identified but not yet apprehended, I believe.