Our Mexico Trip Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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When you're ready to travel again ... I am here.
After months of being cooped up, many of us have been dreaming of our next getaway. While not everyone is ready to travel, the desire to do so is stronger than ever.So, the question is—what does travel look like in a post-COVID-19 world?To get some answers, my guy and I took a trip to Mexico in October 2020. I always joke with my clients, "The things I do for you to give firsthand insight!" Well, this time, that joke couldn't have been more true. Now, I’m in a position to walk you through what it’s really like traveling during a pandemic.
What You Can’t Leave Home Without:
When traveling these days, there are two must-haves:
- Your government-issued ID for your destination
- Your mask
Masks are going to be part of the travel experience for the foreseeable future. They’ll be required throughout your journey, and while policies may vary by airline, expect kids ages 2 and up to wear a mask, too.
Parking:
We booked off-site parking in advance, which I always recommend. Not only does it guarantee availability, but you’ll often get better rates. When we arrived, we had to wait about 30 minutes for the shuttle, which caused a bit of a rush—even though we allowed plenty of time. This was due to reduced staffing during the pandemic, but I’m hopeful that as travel picks up, this will return to normal. For now, be sure to add some extra time if you're parking off-site.
Airport Experience:
We flew with Sun Country Airlines, and while it was more chaotic than usual due to staffing shortages, the experience was still smooth. I always upgrade to Priority Check-in and Boarding to avoid long lines. TSA was a breeze for us, especially with Global Entry, which definitely makes travel easier.
I have to admit, though, the mask did get uncomfortable for a second when we were rushing through TSA. I was wondering, “How am I going to wear this for four hours?” But once I caught my breath, I was fine the rest of the way. Just make sure to plan a little extra time for travel stress, especially when wearing a mask.
Sun Country is a low-cost carrier offering service from many U.S. cities, and while they’re great for budget-friendly travel, I can help you choose an airline that matches your comfort and service level.Flying:The flight itself was pretty typical aside from the mask-wearing and lack of snack service. We pre-packed snacks and drinks after clearing TSA, and everyone on the plane, aside from a few kids, kept their masks on.
Arrival (Customs/Transportation):
Aside from the masks, it was pretty much business as usual. Getting luggage was still a "rat race," but masks were required for everyone. On transportation, you can remove your mask for a drink—yes, even a cerveza!
Resort:
At the Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, the COVID-19 protocols were thorough, yet not overwhelming:
- Lobby/Check-in: Plastic partitions between guests and employees, wrapped pens, and sanitizing of counters and air after each guest. They even steam-sanitized our luggage before bringing it to our room.
- Rooms: Remote controls and cups wrapped in plastic, phones sealed as evidence of cleaning, and fewer items in the room. You could request additional amenities through the concierge.
- Restaurants: Socially distanced lines, temperature checks, and menus via phone (though you could still request a paper menu if you don’t have a smartphone). Servers bring everything to you with tongs, sealed utensils, and masks required until you're seated. After each meal, tables and chairs are disinfected, and if there’s a buffet, they serve you directly.
- Extras: Hand sanitizing stations outside restaurants and bathrooms, two people per elevator, and bottled water available everywhere.
Departure:
Aside from a medical questionnaire and showing a QR code for clearance, it was business as usual.
Final Note:
My guy summed it up perfectly: "I feel more comfortable at the resort than anywhere back home."
For U.S. travelers, quarantining after international travel is a suggestion, not a requirement at this time. Since travel during COVID-19 is a fluid situation, we’ll always keep you up-to-date with the latest protocols and requirements for your specific trip.