I’m traveling to Costa Rica - here’s how I’m planning my trip
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Next week I am traveling to Costa Rica.
I DO recognize the irony of traveling internationally following my last blog post recommending individuals postpone discretionary travel. So why am I going? Planning leisure travel is my job. I live and work in Minnesota where winter begins in November and (if we’re lucky) ends in April. Many of my clients like to escape the winter snow and ice for a week or two during this time frame. Costa Rica is one of my “go-to” destinations for warm weather and the country re-opened to Americans in November. The combination of very low airfares and an invitation by my Signature preferred partners to visit and experience some of the country’s most well regarded hotel properties and tourist destinations was too good to pass up.
It goes without saying that my decision to travel at this time has met with a wide variety of responses from family and friends. It upsets those who believe I should stay home in order to lessen the risk of contracting or spreading the virus. Others feel as long as I take the necessary precautions to keep myself (and others) healthy and safe - there is no reason not to go. In fact, perhaps sharing my decision-making and travel planning processes with you would be beneficial…
In a nutshell, I followed the advice I give my clients.
Do your research.
Before deciding to travel I reviewed the travel guidance on the State Department and CDC websites. I continue to monitor both sites on a weekly basis to make sure that nothing has significantly changed. As I write this the state department lists Costa Rica as a “Level 3” destination (Reconsider Travel) while the CDC ranks it as “Level 4” (Risk Level - Very High). Per the CDC’s current COVID 19 map, a majority of the world is currently in the “Very High” category. I consulted Costa Rica’s Health Ministry website to understand the situation on the ground and look daily at the Tico Times for the updated daily statistics. The country’s positivity rate is currently 3.5% with most of the cases concentrated in the area around the capital of San Jose. Since my travel plans do not include this area of the country, this minimizes my risk. So while there is risk, I am making an informed decision to travel.
2. Confirm the country’s entry requirements
As of Nov. 1st visitors from all countries are welcome in Costa Rica as long as they meet the country’s entry requirements. While Costa Rica no longer requires a negative COVID-19 test for entry, visitors are required to complete an online health screening within 48 hours of arrival and to purchase a travel insurance policy that guarantees coverage for medical and lodging expenses due to COVID-19 illness. Policies to meet those requirements are available through 2 Costa-Rican insurance companies and a selection of travel insurance providers and proof of coverage is required for entry. To minimize complications I opted to purchase my policy through one of the Costa-Rican suppliers.
3. Plan your trip with a reputable travel agent and in-destination partner
Especially during this time, I would not travel without the support of a reputable travel partner who can provide immediate in country-support. In my case I am being hosted by two of VIAKU’s Signature Preferred partners for Costa Rica. The first is a hotel partner whose luxury boutique accommodations are some of the best in the country. The second is the company I have used for a number of years to plan customized trips for my clients. This company is facilitating the transportation and arranging the logistics of the trip. From personal experience with both of these partners, I know I will be in excellent hands. Should something happen during my travels, I will not be dependent on the internet and hope for assistance.
4. Take proper health and safety precautions.
I have a “baseline” of precautions to protect my health and safety when I travel internationally. First, I am enrolled in the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP). Once I book a trip, I register my trip online with STEP which notifies the local US Embassy or Consulate of my upcoming travel. This does 3 things:
I receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in country
It helps the U.S. Embassy contact me in the event of an emergency while I’m traveling, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
It assists family and friends to get in touch with me in case of an emergency.
Second, I purchase travel insurance. For every single trip. Depending on the type of trip and the destination, I will opt for a more or less expensive policy that may or may not include trip cancellation/interruption coverage. At a minimum I will purchase a “post-travel” policy that includes coverage for trip delays, missed connections, baggage, emergency medical and dental and offers 24-hour travel assistance. These are very affordable and the peace of mind is worth every penny.
Third, I make sure I am up to date on all my immunizations and check the CDC travel website for the latest health updates and requirements.
5. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.
Specifically because of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family and I agreed that for this trip I will take a few additional health and safety steps.
Even though Costa Rica does not require it, I will be taking COVID tests before and after my travels. I have a scheduled COVID test 3 days before my departure and 3 days after my return.
My family and I have worked out a “post-travel” plan since they won’t be traveling with me. I will self-isolate at home for 7 days after I get back. This means socially-distancing within the house, mask-wearing in shared spaces and enhanced awareness around keeping things clean until I receive a negative COVID test result.
I purchased a MedJet Assist policy. Medjet is a leading provider of global medical air transport services. If you are hospitalized 150 miles or more from home, Medjet will arrange air medical transport all the way back to your hospital of choice in your home country. While travel insurance will get me to the “nearest acceptable facility,” Medjet will get me all the way home.
So, I’m ready to go. I will be sharing more information about my trip when I return.
Stay health and stay safe!
Karen