What’s open? Where you can travel now!

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The summer travel season is fast approaching, and for those of us who haven’t traveled during the pandemic, or who have been limited to short road trips, the easing of travel restrictions is literally opening up a world of possibilities. While there is still time to plan an international trip this summer (and plenty of good deals available), it can be a challenge to keep track of which destinations are open and what you’ll need to do to travel there.

Here’s a quick overview of some popular summer travel destinations and what you need to know about visiting. Keep in mind that things change quickly so its best to work with Woodlyn Travel to help with planning.

Europe

While much of Europe is planning to open to American tourists this summer, a number of European countries are already open, including Greece, Iceland, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Cyprus, and Georgia. Regulations vary for each country, but generally some combination of vaccination, negative COVID test, and mandatory quarantine upon arrival will allow tourists to enter.

Other European countries, including tourist popular spots like France, Spain, Italy and the U.K., have announced goals to open to non-essential travel by June. The devil is in the details, however, and we are waiting to see exactly how the re-opening will look. It’s safe to say that being fully vaccinated will make things go much smoother but outside of that we are all waiting to see how travel will look. Don’t let this hold you back, just approach European travel with caution - keep in mind cancellation policies and have a back up plan or buy travel insurance - If you’ve been longing for a European vacation, here are a couple hotel options we recommend:

Croatia (now open): Villa Dubrovnik - Perched on the cliffs with stunning views of the city and sea.

France: Shangri-La Hotel Paris - Incredible service in an unbeatable location, featuring complimentary upgrade to Eiffel Tower view

Monaco: Hotel de Paris- Monte-Carlo - Sophisticated vibe in a glamorous setting.

Mexico

Mexico has been open to travelers, with no requirement to be vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test at this time. There is also no mandated quarantine upon arrival, although your hotel or resort may ask you complete a health questionnaire. Land border crossings remain closed to non-essential travel but air travel is open and good deals on flights are readily available. Among the Mexican resorts a few favorites::

Grand Velas Los Cabos - All-inclusive luxury with dramatic ocean views and great dining.

Presidente InternContinetal Cozumel - Idyllic setting featuring white sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters.

Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya - Exclusive beachfront resort with amazing spa and pools.

The Caribbean

Tourism is big business in the Caribbean. Some destinations have already re-opened and are eager for visitors. Among the places currently open to US tourists are Aruba, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, and Jamaica. Many countries have an easy online portal where you upload a copy of your vaccination or negative test before arrival. Keep in mind that a nice advantage of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is that because they’re US territories you will not have to get a negative COVID test before returning to the US. If the Caribbean sounds like your speed, here are a couple hotel suggestions:

US Virgin Islands: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas - Excellent accommodations and stellar service in a gorgeous setting.

Puerto Rico: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel - Authentic Puerto Rican hospitality minutes from historic Old San Juan.

Jamaica: Jamaica Inn Ocho Rios - Family owned boutique hotel on a premier private beach.

Belize: Blancaneaux Lodge - Tranquil resort in a remote, adventurous setting.

Asia and Oceania

Asia and Oceania have been cautious about reopening, and with limited exceptions popular destinations like Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan are not allowing American visitors. There are some exceptions however: French Polynesia and the Maldives are now open and offer amazing experiences for those looking for an adventure.

Maldives: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - One-of-a-kind island setting, with exclusive free night offers available now.

Tahiti: Conrad Bora Bora Nui - Overwater villas in a classic South Pacific setting.


General guidelines for international travel

  • Be aware that unless you’re traveling to a US territory, you’ll likely need a negative test to return to the United States (yes, even if you’re vaccinated), and you may need to self-quarantine upon return as well.

  • Double check that passport! After being grounded for a year it’s easy to forget if your passport is still valid. If you need to get it renewed before traveling, start your paperwork now! Routine renewals take 10-12 weeks, while expedited service is usually 4-6 weeks (although passport expediting services sometimes claim they can get it a week or two faster). If your trip is less than 4 weeks away, you’ll have to make an appointment to visit a passport office in person, and unfortunately these appointments are completely booked for the next couple months.

  • Although a country may officially be open to tourists, the CDC and the State Department are still discouraging non-essential travel to some areas. Check their websites for guidelines, which are updated frequently.

  • If you want to book a trip to a country that isn’t open yet, but you think it will be by the time you travel (let’s say a trip to Germany in August), be sure you understand the cancellation policies for the hotel and airfare when you book. With a little planning you won’t lose a dime if the country decides not to open. Or consider travel insurance, which can help cover the costs of last minute changes.

Exploring the National Parks with an Annual Pass

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America’s national parks have been a mainstay of road trips and summer vacations for generations. Whether you’re hiking Zion or kayaking through the Everglades, crossing a few parks off your bucket list every year is a great way to get out into the wild and appreciate this country’s natural beauty. But if you’re not careful you can actually rack up a tidy little bill paying admission fees: seven day park passes usually cost around $35, while an annual pass for a single park is typically $70.

Fortunately, there’s a good alternative: the “America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.” (For this article, we’re just going to call it the annual pass. Much easier, right?) At just $80, the annual pass pays for itself in just a couple park visits, and having it ready to go in your wallet or glove box makes hitting the road to explore a new park that much simpler.

Here are a few things to remember about annual passes:

  • The passes are accepted not only at National Parks but at lands administered by a whole host of federal agencies: the National Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. So you can do a ton of exploring on a single pass. Just be aware that it doesn’t cover state parks, which have their own system of passes.

  • A single pass provides entry for everyone in your vehicle. If the site charges by the person it covers the pass owner and 3 individuals age 16 or over. Kids under age 15 are free with or without a pass.

  • Remember that an annual pass only covers entry into the park. Generally you’ll still have to pay for things like camping fees, off-road vehicle permits, or other “expanded” amenities.

  • There are a couple different ways to buy a pass. The important thing to note here is that you need to have an actual physical pass to enter a park- you can’t show your receipt or a screengrab. If you’ve got an REI nearby and you need to pick up some gear anyway, you can get a pass in person at the store. Just call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. They’re available from the REI online store as well.

  • If you’ve got some time before you’re trip and you’re willing to pay a $5 processing fee, you can order the pass from the from the official USGS website, but be warned that the pass can take a week or more to arrive.

  • If you’re pressed for time, you can always get a pass in person when you arrive at most sites- just check the complete list of issuing sites before you go.

  • A pass is good for one year from the date of purchase, ending on the last day of the month, which is indicated by a little hole they punch on the pass when you buy it. So if you buy your pass on April 30th, 2021, your pass will expire on April 30th, 2022. But if you wait one day and buy it on May 1st, it will be good through the end of May 2022. So try to buy early in the month if you want the most bang for your buck. And if you buy your pass in person at the end of the month, but you’re not actually using it right away, ask if they’ll stamp the hole for the following month.

  • There’s no free replacement if your pass is lost or stolen. A ranger can’t just look you up in their computer and issue you a new pass if you can’t find yours. So don’t forget where you stashed it during the off season!

  • Are you traveling with a 4th grader? Then they’re your ticket in! All 4th graders qualify for a free annual pass that works just like the full version. Just visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm to print up your pass. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, 5th graders qualify as well through the end of August 2021. Just head to https://www.nps.gov/kids/fifthgrade.htm to print your voucher.

  • There are lots of other annual pass options out there to be aware of. Members of the military, their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star families can qualify for a free military pass. Seniors age 62 and over can buy an annual pass for just $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. And if you’re REALLY into the parks, you can get a free pass when you put in 250 volunteer hours. (We’re going to just pay the $80 bucks, but to each their own!) For more on all the options visit the official USGS website.

A Day in Malibu

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Beach weather is right around the corner, and I figured why not do some advance scouting? So the family and I headed out to that classic Southern California beach town, Malibu. Here’s a taste of our day:

Strolling the Pier and Hitting the Beach

We kicked things off with a quick stroll in the fresh air, and what better spot than the legendary Malibu Pier, home of surfers and starlets since the ‘50s. In the summer it can be a little crowded but today we had it almost to ourselves. The Malibu Farm has two restaurants on the pier: a full-service location at the start of the pier and a cafe at the end. We strolled out to the end and got coffee and hot chocolate at the cafe while we watched the waves and fishermen. Whether you’re renting beach gear or just surveying the surf, the pier is a good place to get your bearings and start your day.

Heading north from the pier we explored the tide pools at the entrance to the Malibu Lagoon, just below the famous Adamson House. On big wave days this is a great spot for watching the surfers, but our morning was spent mucking around in the sand looking for shells and chasing the occasional sandpiper. A really nice spot for kids on a day without crowds.

Malibu Seafood and Hiking

For years, Malibu Seafood has been one of our favorite seafood spots. It’s right across from the beach along PCH, with both a seafood market and a restaurant. Everything is great, from the chowder to the swordfish burger, but the fried platters are our favorites. This time we went for lunch and got the fried seafood combo, with the kids loving the shrimp and scallops. (The scallops have just the right pop of juiciness after you crunch through the outside).

Next door to Malibu Seafood is a parking lot with a trailhead leading into Corral Canyon Park. If you’re going to take a real hike you should pay the parking fee, but we had about a ten minute wait for our food so we decided to take a quick walk to check it out. It’s an easy trail that climbs quickly to give you a nice view of the beach, and if you’re up for a bigger adventure you can follow the looping trail deep into the heart of the last undeveloped canyon in the area.

Malibu Country Mart

The Malibu Country Mart is a local institution that could only exist in Malibu. It’s a mix of high-end boutiques and cafes with a strong beach vibe and plenty of celebrity sightings. There’s also an amazing playground for the kids, a hitching post in case you prefer to do your shopping on horseback, and plenty of places to just relax and take in the unique atmosphere. We wandered through exploring the many nooks and crannies, and vowed to return another day with empty stomachs so we could sample it all.

Malibu Beach Inn

We stayed at the Malibu Beach Inn, nestled tightly between the PCH and the beach. All the rooms have balconies and beach views, and the location can’t be beat. The beach is literally right downstairs and the staff has beach chairs and towels ready to go at a moment’s notice. Aside from the view, what’s possibly the best part about the rooms? Toto toilets! If you’re not familiar with the cult of Toto, I’ll just say this: there are lots of buttons and features that are guaranteed to make your kids (or you) squeal and giggle the first time they sit down to try it. The Malibu Beach Inn is currently offering a “Stay Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free” promotion, so if you want to check it out for yourself now is a great time to do it.

For dinner we ate at the Malibu Beach Inn’s restaurant, the Carbon Beach Club. The terrace juts out over the beach, and when it’s chilly outside they’re quick with the blankets and heaters. In addition to their full dinner menu, they offer a private diner featuring filet mignon and lobster tails, and of course an amazing “picnic by the beach” option.

We were lucky enough to meet the hotel’s resident mixology master, Josh Curtis, who invented the Playa Access and other drinks that capture the feel of Malibu. Josh shared a couple of his favorite drinks, as well as the secret history of the Mai Tai try Josh’s recipe (recipe below). As the sun set and the cool air set in, we retreated to our room and wound down in front of the fireplace. It was a cozy end to a full day in Malibu.

Where to Stay on Your Trip to the Beach

If you’re interested in booking your own Malibu getaway, here are a few great hotel options. Many are currently offering promotions that can extend your stay or provide free amenities.

mai tai with an ocean view

mai tai with an ocean view

Enjoy a cocktail courtesy of Josh Curtis:
‘1944 Trader Vic style’ Mai Tai

1 oz Appleton 12 yr Jamaican rum
1 oz Clemente Martinique Rum
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz Liquid Alchemist Orgeat
.25 oz Curaçao (orange liqueur)
Crushed ice
Add crushed ice to the shaker and ‘roll’ shake. This tasty Tiki beverage requires a bit of dilution in the flavor profile. Garnish with a lime wheel & activated mint bouquet.

Josh Curtis offers virtual cocktail making classes. Tell him Woodlyn Travel sent you :)

How to get an extension for your expiring travel voucher

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It’s been a year since the emergence of COVID changed how we all live, work, and go to school. Many of us who love to travel had to scramble to cancel trips, hoping they would only be delayed temporarily. But now, a year later, many people are holding travel vouchers that are soon to expire and wondering what to do with them. Woodlyn Travel’s Melissa Wu recently spoke to Kristine Lazar of CBS2 in Los Angeles about her family’s situation and how they were able to extend their vouchers for use at a later time. If you have vouchers and don’t think you’ll use them before they expire, here are some suggestions to help improve your chances for an extension.

  1. Work with a travel advisor - If you are working with a travel advisor, start with them. They are your advocate and ally – they want you to travel as much as you do! They can leverage their relationships with hotel partners and know the right people to contact to get your extension approved!

  2. Be prepared - Read the fine print – Does the voucher need to be used by a certain date or do you need to book by a certain date? You may have more time than you realize!

  3. Request early - Put in your request for an extension well before the expiration date. If the voucher expires in June 2021, start the conversation for an extension NOW. And if the voucher has already expired, don’t lose hope: you may still get an extension, and it never hurts to ask.

  4. Have a reason - Be sure to have a specific reason for not using your voucher within the normal time frame. Is it because you won’t have the time off from work? Concerned about traveling or waiting for the vaccine? School schedules conflict? Think through your case ahead of time so you can make a strong argument.

  5. What is your goal? - Are you hoping for another year extension? Do you want a refund? Keep your end goal in mind when approaching your request for an extension.

  6. Are you flexible? - Consider how flexible you might be. Travel partners want you to travel. If they are not able to accommodate your request, what can they offer you instead? If the hotel has multiple locations will a transfer to a different property work for you?

  7. Be kind – The travel industry has been hit hard by COVID and many destinations have struggled to stay afloat. The people answering your calls or emails want your business but may be overwhelmed with requests. Be patient and express how excited you are to visit or use the voucher. A little bit of understanding and sympathy for their situation can go a long way!

  8. Last but not least: document, document, document. If somebody approves your voucher extension, make sure you have that approval in writing. If it is over the phone, ask for the name of the person who is granting the extension and keep a record of it.

Extending your travel vouchers is a great way to kickstart your post-pandemic travel plans. So don’t hesitate to pursue an extension, and above all, talk to your travel advisor! They have experience and connections that can make sure your valuable travel vouchers don’t go to waste!

Dreaming of England

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As I’ve posted recently, it’s a great time to start planning 2021 travel. There are tons of deals out there, especially on airfare. In fact, I just booked a client two round-trip, business-class tickets on Delta to London, plus 10 days of a rental car for $2700. If you’re looking to book flights to Europe it’s a great time to do it, and it reminded me of a trip my special travel correspondent Andrew took to the UK pre-pandemic. Lots of American tourists never make it out of London, but he spent time in Bristol, a culturally vibrant city in Southwest England. I asked Andrew to give us some highlights of his trip:

The Royal Standard of England

http://www.rsoe.co.uk/

I flew into London, and my first stop on the way to Bristol was the Royal Standard of England, a historic pub in the village of Beaconsfield. It’s billed as the oldest pub in England, and with your first glimpse of the stone walls, low ceilings, and traditional décor you’ll understand why. The food is traditional pub faire- try the whitebait (fries with eyes) or beef & ale pie. There are plenty of beers and ciders to sample, but the atmosphere is really what you’re there for, and it definitely delivers. There’s even a large outdoor seating area if the weather cooperates, which, hey, it’s England so maybe don’t count on it. The pub’s a bit out of the way, but this does prevent it from being overrun by tourists. If the traditional pub experience is what you’re looking for, and you’re up for a bit of an adventure, this is the place to go.

Walking Tour: Clifton Suspension Bridge & Ashton Court Estate

https://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/en/museums-parks-sports-culture/ashton-court-estate

Bristol is very manageable on foot, and I always like to get my bearings when I arrive in a new place, so one of my first stops was the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s one of Bristol’s most prominent landmarks, spanning the Avon Gorge west of the city. Built in 1864, it offers a dramatic view of the city and the Avon River as it flows to the Atlantic. Crossing the bridge to the west leads to the gates to the Ashton Court Estate, which has history dating back to the William the Conqueror and is now owned by the City of Bristol. The estate is home to miles of walking and riding paths, a disc golf course, a deer park (yes, that’s a herd of deer living in a park), some very spooky woods, and Ashton Court Manor, which now houses a restaurant and event spaces. If you start at the bridge it’s a fairly easy 1-2 hr downhill walk through the estate to the parking lot at the manor, where you can keep walking or hop a bus back into the city center. The bridge is worth the trip for the view, and if it’s a nice day and you’ve got the time, the estate is good for a taste of old English manor life.

Playground Coffee House

https://playgroundbristol.co.uk/

Bristol is a university town, and there’s no shortage of pubs, lounges, and other hangouts. But my favorite hidden gem is the Playground Coffee House, which serves double duty as a coffee shop by day and cocktail lounge by night. (Although you can feel free to mix those up as required.) It’s a cozy, comfortable spot with board games, swings, a huge tea selection, and a treacherous staircase leading to the bathroom. The drinks, whether they’re of the caffeinated or alcoholic variety, are strong and lovingly made.

Mission Pizza

http://www.missionpizza.co.uk/
http://www.lefthandedgiant.com/

This one’s a bit of a moving target at the moment, but if you can find them, Mission Pizza is some of the best pizza I’ve had on either side of the Atlantic. When I visited they were set up in a tent outside a brewery at the end of a long, dark alley. They make a half-dozen artisan, wood-fired pizzas, including vegetarian varieties, and every one I tried was great. They’ve now set up what are hopefully permanent digs in the Left Handed Giant Brewpub, in a cool neighborhood along the water, so once dining in is available again this will be a great alternative to the “traditional” English experience. Because who needs tradition when you’ve got beer and pizza, right?

The Farm

https://www.facebook.com/thefarmpub/
http://www.swcityfarm.co.uk/

Located on the north side of Bristol, The Farm is a casual, family-friendly pub and restaurant that sits just down the street from St. Werburgh’s City Farm, a small farm with goats, sheep, and other animals that’s open to visitors. The pub has lots of outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe, so on a nice afternoon it’s easy to spend a couple hours there. Hit it on a Sunday to order a traditional Sunday Roast, which involves a whole lot of meat and potatoes and is guaranteed to pound your hangover into submission. If you have kids, or just need a break from the city, a walk through the City Farm and then a stop at the pub is a good way to unwind. Don’t confuse the Farm Pub with the Farm Café, which sits right next to it.

Other nearby suggestions:

The historic town of Bath, famous for its ancient Roman spas, is just a 20-minute train ride from Bristol. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is an ideal base for your explorations there, featuring stunning gardens and luxurious accommodations.

If you’re looking to stop over in London for a few days (and why wouldn’t you?), you can’t go wrong staying at The Savoy. It’s one of London’s most celebrated hotels, famous for is extraordinary amenities and décor.

And remember, when you book any of these hotels with Woodlyn Travel, you get amenities like a room upgrade, daily breakfast, food & beverage credit, and more!

Whether you want to explore Bristol like Andrew did or check out another spot in the UK, contact me and we’ll put together the right itinerary for you. Let’s talk!

About Andrew
Andrew is a freelance writer, producer, and marketing consultant. An Emmy nominated producer, he has written or produced material for ESPN, HGTV, NBC, and independent films. He can be reached at afirchau@gmail.com.