Worth

What does it take?  

I use Sherpa travel to keep abreast of the changing entry requirements.  From there, decide on flight routing etc.  For example, I have to test in Hong Kong if I wish to transit through Seoul.  But not if I fly through Singapore.  I have to test to go back to Canada if I went to Hong Kong.  Thus I shall pass on Hong Kong for the time being.

And depending on destination, there may still be a requirement of the arrival country to require masking on the flight to and at destination ie.  Japan, Taipei etc.  

If I want to go, I will happily follow the rules because the joy and exhilaration of being there trumps the perceived inconveniences.  Plus it is prudent to understand the cultural perception towards foreigners.  

Example, the last election in Japan, Prime Minister Kishida had strong support of the population to not open borders to the world due to belief that foreigners tend not to follow masking or hygiene rules, thus would be a risk for increased covid infections.  

For those of us who don't live in a highly sought after travel destination, we may not think of the anxiety of those who have to work in the tourist industry, dealing with the masses of visitors from everywhere.  So I continue to do my best to not behave in a worrisome way locally.  

Note to those planning on travelling to Japan:  Depending on arrival time of your flights, the line ups to get through passport control can be long!  I've averaged 2 to 3 hours at Haneda and Narita landing at 8 pm and 4 pm respectively.  Take that into consideration when planning transit into the city.

I had forgotten just how beautiful Taipei airport is.