Is Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic Worth It?

We will return to Jamaica for our annual vacation this week if all is well. This will mark our fifth year making a winter escape to the beautiful city of Montego Bay. Every year, there is uncertainty to deal with before we leave. For instance, bad weather or delayed flights could derail our plans. However, last year added a whole new level of anxiety and logistics, including:

• Presenting a negative COVID-19 test within ten days of travel
• Submitting a Travel Authorization document to board the airlines within five days of travel
• Producing a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of departure back to the United States
• And, of course, the wearing of masks at the airport and on the plane.

But Wait, There’s More to Worry About

As our trip approaches, things have become even more complicated. For starters, my husband and I the week before last — and I am still recovering from a post-COVID sinus infection. However, it’s vital we get tested and show a negative result within THREE days of our departure.

That may sound feasible enough, but the unavailability of tests combined with unclear guidelines of what constitutes “three days” has amped up our stress level.