Cities, states, and
even countries are reopening to tourists. Not all, but many.
On June 15, most
European countries opened their borders to residents of its member countries.
Spain waited until June 21. And on July 1, the Europeans will tentatively open
their borders to international tourist for the first time in four months.
There are
stipulations like a country's infection rates have to be held in check before they allow tourists from that country. Unfortuantely, the U.S. does not meet that criteria. Similarly, in the U.S. there are certain states and areas that are blocking residents of other states from visiting. Key West authorities arrested a woman and sent her back to mainland Florida for trying to visit. New Mexico said they love tourist, just not right
now.
And cruise lines?
Oh, the poor cruise lines. Spain has said no cruise ships can dock in any
Spanish port for the foreseeable future. Norwegian cruise lines said all
cruises are suspended at least through September. That is the entire summer
season. Although they are making exceptions for the Pacific Northwest. And a
week ago, the first Danube-Rhine river cruise made it without mishap.
However, Greece
welcomed one of its first international flights a couple of weeks ago from
Qatar and 12 people on board tested positive for Coronavirus.
We are not out of
the woods yet.
Last week, I
cancelled my family's 3-week Spain trip that was to depart July 8. I poured
over news reports daily grasping for an inkling of hope regarding Europe's reopening. But with a potential quarantine for travelers, U.S.
infection rates increasing, the need for reciprocal travel arrangements (the
U.S. is still blocking travel from Europe), and constant flight changes to a point where I would have to literally time travel backwards three hours to make a connection, I figured it was time to call it.
Fortunately, I was
able to cancel everything and get full refunds except one hostel in Spain.
Somehow I overlooked that property's no cancellation policy. If that is all it costs me, I am ok with that.
Now to make new plans. Isn't that half the fun?
Take care.
Posts Tuesday and
Saturday
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