From about late March to mid-May, domestic air travel virtually ground to a halt. Only about 100,000 people were traveling per day compared to more the 2 million daily travelers prior to the pandemic. Then, as the US began to open up at the end of June, the number of flyers began to rise significantly—averaging about 575,000 per day. Airlines started reinstating routes and, despite the remaining risks, countries, and states have begun to welcome visitors. Travel may look different in a number of ways for now with required face masks, physical distancing, and two-week quarantines, but we will still be traveling. Cultural curiosity cannot be expunged. If you’re itching to get away, here are some must-see luxury travel destinations of 2020.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Awash with pearlescent bays and neon-bright shoals of fish, these enduringly cheery islands are one of my favorite places to travel. Take a look at my website for a selection of villas in the USVI where you can plan a relaxing, luxurious escape. Contact us at Blue Sky Luxury travels to reserve your private island or villa vacation.
St. Barths
St. Barths is a playground for the rich and famous, and after a break for quarantine season, is open for business once again. The legendary Eden Rock St. Barths reopened in November 2019 following an extensive two-year renovation and Hôtel Le Toiny, which relaunched only three years ago by new its owners, has been revamped again with eight new suites added (all with pools and ocean-view terraces). Our Blue Sky villa portfolio includes several spectacular St. Barths properties for your consideration. As of June 22, 2020, St. Barths is open to non-essential travel and tourism. All travelers need to provide a COVID-negative RT-PCR test performed within 3 days prior to departure to St. Barts. If you arrive on St. Barths without this test, you’ll be required to be tested for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arrival on St. Barths. If you’re staying longer than a week, you’ll need to pay about $150 for an additional test on the eighth day.
St. Lucia
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon, St. Lucia is my favorite destination. The dramatic Pitons soar above the sparkling sea, and the island offers the epitome of luxury. Beachfront villas and resorts beckon with phenomenal views and exquisite service. Take a look at my television appearance on LowCountry Live where I speak about some of my favorite St. Lucia Villas. St. Lucia is an independent nation in the Caribbean and is currently allowing visitors with a negative PCR test, which our Blue Sky Luxury Travels team can help arrange for our clients.
Turks & Caicos
As a British overseas territory, the Turks and Caicos is a self-governing region and is currently allowing visitors from the United States, once they obtain pre-authorization via the TCI Assured portal. Turks and Caicos is a string of islands just southeast of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. Guests arrrive via the airport in Providenciales, the island that’s home to Grace Bay Beach, featuring luxury shops, resorts, and restaurants. When you visit Turks and Caicos, don’t miss out on scuba-diving the 14-mile barrier reef on Providenciales and Grand Turk’s underwater wall. Our Blue Sky Luxury portfolio includes several properties on Turks & Caicos, and we will be happy to help you arrange your trip.
Wanderlust is strongly embedded in human evolutionary history. A study conducted by OnePoll back in July found that 76% of 2,000 Americans surveyed were already planning or will start planning for their next trip sometime in 2020. What’s important is that travelers focus on mitigating risks for themselves and the communities they visit. Destinations, attractions, hotels, and airlines are also doing their part as COVID-19 has redefined the importance of cleanliness. Villas have added enhanced sanitation steps that are designed to not only keep travelers safe but to reassure you that it’s okay to travel again. Trust places with good governance and health systems. Be as much of a responsible citizen as you are a passionate traveler and the world is your oyster once again. And to find out the latest information on COVID19 travel restrictions and opportunities, check out the dashboard on our website: https://blueskyluxurytravels.com/covid-travel/