Yes, it’s finally time! So many of us have been waiting…and waiting…for the day when we can once again fly the friendly skies and arrive in our favorite international destination. Understandably, we’ve been a bit hesitant — uncertain about what we need to do to prepare for our travel experience and perhaps feeling a bit anxious about what awaits us on the other side.
As a travel professional, I get it. I share your same questions and concerns, but most of all, your excitement about resuming both domestic and international travel. That’s why I wanted to share some details about my first trip outside the U.S. since travel restrictions to many international destinations have now been lifted.
My destination? The luxury resort of the Grace Bay Club in Turks & Caicos for a five-day stay in paradise! It’s true. Preparation for travel these days does take extra effort and focused attention to details. But that’s why travel advisors like myself are here to assist you to ensure a trouble-free travel experience. It’s a magical time to travel, so please don’t let a few obstacles stop you!
As far as preparation goes, besides wearing your mask, before I took a single step on to the concourse, I made sure that my travel companion, my son James, and I had all our paperwork in order. In this case, those papers included our passports, our approval QR code (obtained online from Turks & Caicos) which provided permission to enter the country, our negative COVID tests completed in the correct time parameters, and our travel insurance. Upon arrival, we did the same, completing the necessary immigration forms on the plane and presenting all our documents to the representative on the ground.
I had booked private transportation from the airport to the resort just as an extra measure of COVID safety. Once there, we were greeted with a welcome Rum Punch cocktail — yum — and were checked-in by staff who informed us of the resort’s masking policy to ensure the safety of resort guests and employees. It’s important to remember while traveling internationally during Pandemic times that some countries are not as far along in their vaccination distribution as the U.S. So, cooperation and respect are needed in following whatever safety protocols are in place where you are traveling.
Travel details aside, we were ready to take in the beauty, relaxation, and top-tier services and accommodations of the Grace Bay Club beginning with our spacious, clean, and comfortable King suite. Yes, it included a walk-out patio amongst the lush flora and fauna with breathtaking views of the coastline, not only from the ground-floor patio, but from the living area and master bedroom! After 12 hours of travel, our appetites were ready to grab some tacos from the beach stand along with some refreshing drinks and take in the spectacular sparkling blue water views. Though not an all-inclusive resort, your daily rate does include breakfast with made-to-order omelets and buffet. Guests and staff were all masked while plating food from the buffet.
During our stay, we took advantage of “red flag” service on the beach (I could get used to that)! After sinking into your lounge chairs with your fluffy, fresh towels, just raise your red flag and a friendly staff member is there to help. Yes, I’ll take another Rum Punch! If not on the beach, we enjoyed the swim-up pool bar and chatting with fellow Americans who were equally ecstatic about resuming their personal travel — especially on this beautiful island!
Dinners were also a delight. Whether enjoying fantastic fresh seafood from the beachside grill or taking in a sunset along with our meals from the Infiniti Bar & Restaurant, culinary options abounded coupled with superior service. And, if you enjoy a spa experience as part of your self-prescribed R&R, the menu of options there included facials and massages priced less expensively than most luxury hotel spas.
Beyond rejuvenation, there was also time to indulge in water activities. Complimentary stand-up paddleboards, Hobie cats, and ocean kayaks provided plenty of fun for James. He had a blast out on the water! Yet, if you’re still not sure how to make the most of your stay, the Grace Bay Club provides a personal concierge assigned to you. Our concierge, Lisa, met with us in person and arranged a fun snorkeling expedition as well as dinners at restaurants outside the resort.
After experiencing international travel again, I’m ready to help others do the same. Yes, it takes a bit of advanced planning and perhaps a dose of patience as you navigate airport terminals that are becoming crowded once more. But there’s no time like the present! Travel is picking up which means airfares are rising along with demand. I’m happy to chat with you about your post-Pandemic travel wish list. As the world opens us again, the travel possibilities do too! Let me know what you’d like to plan. It feels so good to say, “Happy travels!” again.
Karen L. Snyder
Karen Snyder has pursued her passion for writing for more than 30 years and is owner of WORD Writing & Virtual Services. She has served as a corporate editor to Fortune 500 companies and contributing writer to many regional publications and magazines covering parenting, travel, health, education, and more. She enjoys living the coastal lifestyle, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with her family and pups.
