In Viaggio
International travel is possible. We did it. Just shy of two years, we ventured back to California to see family. Vaccines, negative testing and mask mandates during flight and in airports provided the comfort level we needed to make the long haul to our California.
Having assisted multiple clients last season with testing requirements and the intricacies of travel during a pandemic; we were primed and ready to go ourselves. Using the easy testing facility we used for our tour clients, in 15 minutes, we were tested and given our negative travel certificates, and then drove to Rome to catch our flight.
At the airport, check-in was slightly different. First had to enter a line to share our vaccine and negative test documents. Afterwards, the ‘getting to the plane’ part of the travel drill was the same as in the past. On the plane, we were instructed to lower our masks to eat or drink, then return it into place. Everyone seemed to obey this directive. Thankfully.
24 hours later, door-to-door, we were at home with family. 635 days later. Arriving right in time for the Omicron variant to rear its ugly head. Being in California during this time had us the most anxious and worried as we have been in 2+ years. Our Italy kept us safe during the pandemic. Would California?
While it wasn’t the trip we anticipated, it was filled with family time. Spending time with our loved ones was most critical and we managed to cross off all most of our ‘to dos’: Christmas with the kiddos, new year, birthdays, beach walks, ethnic foods. Our time, much too short, left us with memories to hold us over until we see family again. And…we were safe and remained Covid-free.
Travel back was just as streamlined as our flight from Italy to California. We departed on 27 February which was the last day required for Negative Covid Testing for all travelers. All our documents were uploaded to the airlines portal, which were followed by return emails sent to us advising that our documents were reviewed and accepted. New procedures that calmed nerves. (FYI - Now, testing is not required for vaccinated travelers to Italy). Our flight from LAX to JFK was full and our flight from JFK to Rome was half full; leaving entire aisles open for ‘lay flat’ travel for most.
In addition to the online document approvals, another major upgrade to travel since our last foray is the introduction of much more efficient biometric verification passport control. We landed, disembarked the plane, passed through customs, retrieved our luggage in under 45 minutes. A remarkable feat in Rome!
All in all, in our opinion, ‘The Great Travel Pause’, has actually improved travel. Airports having the space and time to deploy modern processes, effective procedures for uploading documents online, and so on, has streamlined travel in appreciated ways. The airlines, airports, and all travel related companies that we have encountered have been exemplary - social distanced, clean, sanitized (car rental keys even hermetically sealed in plastic bag!), and secure.
Travel is possible. And in fact, in many ways, improved. We encourage you to get back to adventuring and creating your own important memories with family and friends. We felt safe, we were safe, we are safe. Feel free to reach out to us about our International travel experience. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Furthering our commitment to travel, we are doubling down on our concierge travel agency and joining American Express. We look forward to better serving our clients and offering some amazing, carefully-curated travel thanks to this new partnership. You may not think to use a professional travel consultant, but, we assure you, coming out of the pandemic, it is a great asset to have a certified professional with detailed, insider knowledge plan and take care of your every need - hassle-free.
Visit us at TheConciergist.com. Let us know about your long awaited travel dreams. We are here to help you realize each and every one. Italy and beyond.
