DELAWARE- COVID comfort, as some people look to travel as a safe way to get out again, but state health experts urge caution. Some cruise lines are looking to start up again, and local experts say trips are becoming popular again. With the news of more cruises setting sail in June just like
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, some people may be considering going outside the United States again for the first time in a long time. While the CDC recommends against traveling right now, experts in the travel industry say it can be done safely but it can be tricky. Annette Nero Stellhorn, with Accent on Travel said, "We have people who left yesterday for Africa, we know what they can do, we know where they can do, they're very comfortable, they're very happy, but if they were doing it on their own, I would be concerned. I would be concerned." Accent on Travel says booking on your own can be tough due to different restrictions in each country, and learning where to go in case of emergencies. For example, Royal Caribbean requires anyone over the age of 18 to get a negative test within 72 hours of their cruise with proof. So the planning for trips now includes more than just packing a bag and heading out, causing travel agents to plan even more ahead. "Is you have to be a little more flexible. You know we were very much in control and we felt in control of everything but travel has always been an adventure but now it's a little bit more of an adventure," Stellhorn said, Delaware also talking about travel, as more and more people become vaccinated. Dr. Karyl Ratty, the Director of the Division of Public Health said, "Travel is not risk free." The state saying all travel comes with risk right now. Rattay said, "If you are taking public transportation, mass transportation including airplanes, you have to be extra careful." The state recommending you get tested before you go, keep your mask on, and avoid people in high risk groups. While travel advisers say keeping hydrated is very important when traveling now more than ever to keep your body's immune system healthy. Accent on Travel says if you are booking without an agent, buying into the travel insurance can be critical in case of emergencies like a last minute positive test, that could cause people to cancel their trip potentially losing out on thousands of dollars. Travel experts also say to book now as airfares are rising, and trips for 2022 and 2023 are already selling out. While there are no federal requirements on what you need to do when you return from a trip, there are different state and federal guidelines and also be sure to check with your workplace, if you work in person because you might need to do certain things before you can return to the office.