I've been pressuring (killing) myself to come up with something travel-wise ever since our government quietly lifted its worldwise advisory against travel about 3 weeks ago. We had already mentally given up on any hope for this year.
Naively, I didn't think it would be problem to come up with something before Christmas. But after 3 weeks of trying to absorb all the entry rules and testing requirements of many countries, the excitement of travel has been beaten out of me.
As per usual, I aimed far and wide. Instead of checking out one country at a time, I naturally took on 14 and quickly realized it wasn't fun at all trying to locate Covid testing labs near home nor in foreign countries. Or which countries you shouldn't be in or transit through if you are hoping to enter other countries. Lists of high risk countries are frequently changing.
It was the first time I've missed living in a major city. Being limited on the days I can fly because I cannot get tested or receive results in time to board isn't something I really had to contend with before. Our infrastructure isn't quite near where it will be once more demand creates additional capacity.
Europe and the US have had months of experience already. And the well travelled locales have gotten used to seeing vaccine QR codes from them. Ours is barely a month old and it hasn't be easy to search out on the ground experience. Do I want to be a beta tester?
We've had to cancel a trip already due to tight timing with respect to PCR test for re-entry. The solution to the farther flung destinations is to choose another airline carrier. Needed to cut out the 2 hop itineraries.
Disappointing after jumping through all the hoops with the new Thailand Pass application and getting approved. But will know for next time.
As I alluded to above, the challenges of finding foreign country medical labs for Covid testing has been a lot of work. Need to be sure I can trust them. I've had to create a list per country with the criteria of having easy online or email booking, availability during the week or weekends -- As it would affect which days you can fly home.
And the additional step of getting a local SIM card as some online lab booking procedures send you confirmation and reminder texts. And which company/brand to buy?
Canada requires a PCR test which takes 24 - 48 hours to get results back. As well as the test needs to be taken within 72 of the flight that takes you back to Canada. So if you are connecting, you need to count backwards from the final leg of the journey. Not so easy when there is a significant time zone difference.
Then there are the local Covid restrictions like double masking in Peru and their recently cancelled requirement to wear a shield on flights. And all the other QR codes allowing you into venues and all the changes to the application process -- Looking at you France!
As much as I've been waiting for this time to finally get here, my mind has taken a hit trying navigate this new world. Have asked myself if this is worth it right now and how much do I really want to travel as it is just not easy.
Trying to gage covid numbers here at home and where the destination country is trending. Is there a "safe" travel window?
Then there is Covid insurance. And finding out that not all insurance policies will cover quarantine. Really important if you are found to be a close contact of someone on a plane or bus and then are mandated to quarantine for 14 days even if you have no symptoms etc.
And finding out the local lab I've purchase pre-travel testing has been horrible at refunding customers.
And the shuttle I have come to rely on for airport transport understandably not being able to provide the schedule it did before.
And our main international airport having difficulty processing all the flights with every department getting accustomed to new protocols and increasing volume again.
I do have a flight and testing booked -- Have to make a decision before 7 pm tonight. It's not looking good but I'm going through the motions of packing to see if the travel spark comes back.
Hate to admit that all of this has gotten the better of me. Part of me feels I just need to get one under my belt and it will be fine. The brain is saying I don't need the hassle and just do something else fun over the winter and try again in the spring.
