Vacationing During COVID: Worth the Hassle?

My husband and I recently returned from our annual winter vacation: a 10-night stay in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Before we left, I questioned whether traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic would be worth it . We had to navigate a series of protocols to enter Jamaica and return to the United States.

With both of us recovering from COVID the week before our excursion, we were unsure if we would be cleared to travel. Fortunately, we received negative COVID test results the day before we left the U.S.

However, navigating pandemic safety measures was only the beginning of the challenges ahead!

Delays, Bad Weather, and Flight Cancellations — Oh My!

Arriving in Jamaica

We arrived in Montego Bay around lunchtime on Wednesday, January 26th. I couldn’t wait to get off the plane and enjoy the sunshine and tropical surroundings. However, they detained us after landing because someone got sick in the plane bathroom. So, we had to wait for the Health Department to permit us to exit the plane. While we didn’t have to wait long, it was a frustrating way to kick off the trip.

Wacky Weather

Typically, Jamaica’s weather is sunny, with temperatures around 82–85 degrees. Occasionally, a…