OT: Holiday Travel, Internationally

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

I did some travel last summer Internationally and it was like an absolute joke the number of hoops you had to jump through regarding pcr testing, quarantine and then getting out of the country (Indonesia) when they were having a lockdown and crisis.. I think I posted a bit about it.

Well, things are a little better now, as I'm in only a 3 day quarantine (back in Indonesia) but be prepared for a lot of stupidity once again (depending on where you go).

I traveled through Turkey this time, (last time was Qatar) as it seems many middle eastern airlines offer cheap routes to get to the other side of the world.

I saw repeated issues with airline staff and travelers that fell outside of the 72 hour PCR testing that is required by many countries, and shouting matches between women staff and travelers on one occasion.

Indonesia introduced relaxed guidelines, but implemented PCR testing upon arrival, and many travelers were dumbfounded (to put it nicely) why we were being held back from getting our bags and going to the hotel. The *new process took greater than 3 hours to clear out of the airport.

I'm guessing domestic travel will be much easier, but I remember hearing some of you had international holiday plans, and while it isn't quite yet the season, I would just remind that many countries are not at all as open as the US is, and many seem to be much more strict about masks and having paperwork in order.

I'd advise preparing in advance mentally for every possible dumb scenario, so that when it doesn't happen, you will be relieved, and when it does, you will think you are shooting par.

Cheers from the hotel, watching Miami v Florida State

 

[Charlie Marlow_rivals363743]

I travelled to Korea last Fall and again this Fall. I thought travel was a little more tricky this time but not really too bad. I’d advise checking the US Embassy website for the country you are traveling to. And check frequently as policies are always changing depending on number of cases, etc

also you have to consider the rules for any countries that you might have connecting flights through.

They aren’t going to give two craps if you yell and cry about your rights or whatever.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

I travelled to Korea last Fall and again this Fall. I thought travel was a little more tricky this time but not really too bad. I’d advise checking the US Embassy website for the country you are traveling to. And check frequently as policies are always changing depending on number of cases, etc

also you have to consider the rules for any countries that you might have connecting flights through.

They aren’t going to give two craps if you yell and cry about your rights or whatever.

I transited through South Korea last summer, easy peasy.. even ran into one of those wandering robots, but it's social skills needed a lot of work

It would be great to spend some actual time is Seoul sometime.

 

[inthedeed]

i may try going south over the border into wokeland (used to be called colorado)

 

[inthedeed]

I did some travel last summer Internationally and it was like an absolute joke the number of hoops you had to jump through regarding pcr testing, quarantine and then getting out of the country (Indonesia) when they were having a lockdown and crisis.. I think I posted a bit about it.

Well, things are a little better now, as I'm in only a 3 day quarantine (back in Indonesia) but be prepared for a lot of stupidity once again (depending on where you go).

I traveled through Turkey this time, (last time was Qatar) as it seems many middle eastern airlines offer cheap routes to get to the other side of the world.

I saw repeated issues with airline staff and travelers that fell outside of the 72 hour PCR testing that is required by many countries, and shouting matches between women staff and travelers on one occasion.

Indonesia introduced relaxed guidelines, but implemented PCR testing upon arrival, and many travelers were dumbfounded (to put it nicely) why we were being held back from getting our bags and going to the hotel. The *new process took greater than 3 hours to clear out of the airport.

I'm guessing domestic travel will be much easier, but I remember hearing some of you had international holiday plans, and while it isn't quite yet the season, I would just remind that many countries are not at all as open as the US is, and many seem to be much more strict about masks and having paperwork in order.

I'd advise preparing in advance mentally for every possible dumb scenario, so that when it doesn't happen, you will be relieved, and when it does, you will think you are shooting par.

Cheers from the hotel, watching Miami v Florida State

curios, what were you doing?

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

curios, what were you doing?

Oh my wife lives here in Indonesia, so I am always traveling it seems. I'll probably be staying here in Indo for the next 6 months or so this time.

I hope nothing is contagious in Colorado.. Always liked the scenery out there, but def goofy west coast policies.

 

[HBK4life_rivals100467]

International travel was a pain before Covid. Now. I don't even wanna think about it. Going to Phuket Thailand once the craziness dies down. If it ever does. Not going on an expensive vacation to take covid tests, wear masks and jump through hoops. Thanks again China. Dicks.

 

[inthedeed]

Oh my wife lives here in Indonesia, so I am always traveling it seems. I'll probably be staying here in Indo for the next 6 months or so this time.

I hope nothing is contagious in Colorado.. Always liked the scenery out there, but def goofy west coast policies.

seems like i'm always breaking rules down there

 

[inthedeed]

seems like i'm always breaking rules down there

have an old friend who married a gal there who also spends his winters

 

[Charlie Marlow_rivals363743]

I transited through South Korea last summer, easy peasy.. even ran into one of those wandering robots, but it's social skills needed a lot of work

It would be great to spend some actual time is Seoul sometime.

It’s a great place. I’d say September and October is a good time to visit weather-wise

 

[leodisflowers]

Headed to Budapest for Christmas. Wouldnt be so bad, but let’s go Brandon still ******* Americans as much as he can get away with.

 

[HUSKERFAN66]

I've totally decided the heck with international travel. I always wanted to go to Germany, Normandy and Parham airbase in England where my granddad was stationed during ww2 before getting transferred to France after d day.

Guess I'll never get to see it

 

[tk39_rivals31321]

Went to the Maldives last March. Just had to do a pcr test and fill out a form. It was pretty easy overall. Having the mask on the entire time wasn’t too great but I drank some wine and took a Dramamine. Out like a light.

 

[FuzzyFreddy]

I'm considering a trip to Switzerland next spring. I also want to go to the Passion Play in Germany, which is every 10 years, otherwise I might wait. That may require driving across the corner of Austria.

Anyone know if once in Switzerland, is travel to other Euro countries easy, or do they each require a retarded PCR test? Looking on Government websites, they are a joke. Broken links, double speak, the whole thing.

 

[Bremser_rivals74172]

I did some travel last summer Internationally and it was like an absolute joke the number of hoops you had to jump through regarding pcr testing, quarantine and then getting out of the country (Indonesia) when they were having a lockdown and crisis.. I think I posted a bit about it.

Well, things are a little better now, as I'm in only a 3 day quarantine (back in Indonesia) but be prepared for a lot of stupidity once again (depending on where you go).

I traveled through Turkey this time, (last time was Qatar) as it seems many middle eastern airlines offer cheap routes to get to the other side of the world.

I saw repeated issues with airline staff and travelers that fell outside of the 72 hour PCR testing that is required by many countries, and shouting matches between women staff and travelers on one occasion.

Indonesia introduced relaxed guidelines, but implemented PCR testing upon arrival, and many travelers were dumbfounded (to put it nicely) why we were being held back from getting our bags and going to the hotel. The *new process took greater than 3 hours to clear out of the airport.

I'm guessing domestic travel will be much easier, but I remember hearing some of you had international holiday plans, and while it isn't quite yet the season, I would just remind that many countries are not at all as open as the US is, and many seem to be much more strict about masks and having paperwork in order.

I'd advise preparing in advance mentally for every possible dumb scenario, so that when it doesn't happen, you will be relieved, and when it does, you will think you are shooting par.

Cheers from the hotel, watching Miami v Florida State

Went to Italy for 3 weeks in July/August. Just got back a few weeks ago from a week-long visit to Europe (Italy, Germany). The paperwork is a bit of a pain, but its worth it just for the sights/food/wine.

 

[SeaOfRed75]

Not for the holiday season, but with the way Japan is with covid a planned trip for next year after school is out is getting more and more nerve wracking about whether they are fully open to tourists.

 

[JulianSpringer]

International holiday plans are complicated to organize during a pandemic. Strange what is happening in the world. I'm glad that now the situation has normalized a bit and the possibility of traveling without many covid tests is greater. I'm vaccinated anyway, but there are many countries where I ask for both an anti-covid vaccine and an anti-covid test. A month ago, I traveled through Europe by train, I found the races on https://www.dbfahrplan.com/de/, and it wasn't as complicated as yours. I had an anti-covid test, plus the vaccine, and the trip was not horrible. I traveled freely and saw the world.

 

[SLOHusker]

I did some travel last summer Internationally and it was like an absolute joke the number of hoops you had to jump through regarding pcr testing, quarantine and then getting out of the country (Indonesia) when they were having a lockdown and crisis.. I think I posted a bit about it.

Well, things are a little better now, as I'm in only a 3 day quarantine (back in Indonesia) but be prepared for a lot of stupidity once again (depending on where you go).

I traveled through Turkey this time, (last time was Qatar) as it seems many middle eastern airlines offer cheap routes to get to the other side of the world.

I saw repeated issues with airline staff and travelers that fell outside of the 72 hour PCR testing that is required by many countries, and shouting matches between women staff and travelers on one occasion.

Indonesia introduced relaxed guidelines, but implemented PCR testing upon arrival, and many travelers were dumbfounded (to put it nicely) why we were being held back from getting our bags and going to the hotel. The *new process took greater than 3 hours to clear out of the airport.

I'm guessing domestic travel will be much easier, but I remember hearing some of you had international holiday plans, and while it isn't quite yet the season, I would just remind that many countries are not at all as open as the US is, and many seem to be much more strict about masks and having paperwork in order.

I'd advise preparing in advance mentally for every possible dumb scenario, so that when it doesn't happen, you will be relieved, and when it does, you will think you are shooting par.

Cheers from the hotel, watching Miami v Florida State

We're planning to travel internationally in 2022 and it will take a hell of a lot to get us to reconsider. We had to cancel our plans in 2020 and last year our vacation through Utah's national parks (which we love) was harder to enjoy because of the massive crowds. Literally we couldn't even get into Zion he first day we were there. And the cost of hotels was jacked up to ridiculous levels. I think if you plan well and take a gamble you'll find crowds in foreign countries less than usual and things will be much less expensive as well.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan_rivals19671]

We're planning to travel internationally in 2022 and it will take a hell of a lot to get us to reconsider. We had to cancel our plans in 2020 and last year our vacation through Utah's national parks (which we love) was harder to enjoy because of the massive crowds. Literally we couldn't even get into Zion he first day we were there. And the cost of hotels was jacked up to ridiculous levels. I think if you plan well and take a gamble you'll find crowds in foreign countries less than usual and things will be much less expensive as well.

Zion and Bryce were both very cool but even pre pandemic, the crowds were freaking ridiculous. What I found fascinating is at least half were international visitors....we go to where they live to vacation and they come to where we live. Haha.

 

[redwine65]

I walked into the US from mexico, and didn't have no problems except folks asking me if I wanted government social program money.

 

[Huskerpro]

Just got back from RIviera Maya. Couple of forms to fill out and take a test within 24 hours of return and off and back we came. Resorts offer the test on-site and it was easy.

 

[Anegada1]

We got back a week ago from Costa Rica, super easy, no issues . Like Huskerpro we had onsite test

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

You guys that are finding the onsite testing, that makes a big difference. Testing overseas wasn't as available or convenient as that before, so that really helps things. Here in Indonesia, they are back to a 14 day quarantine for incoming visitors regardless of test result.

 

[schuele]

We got back a week ago from Costa Rica, super easy, no issues . Like Huskerpro we had onsite test

Yes I went to Costa Rica for business earlier this fall and it wasn't too much of a hassle. I recommend travel insurance, though. Was less than $50 total for four days and made the COVID test less nerve wracking. I didn't get stuck there for additional days but if I had, the cost was covered.

 

[realHuskerDrew]

We got back a week ago from Costa Rica, super easy, no issues . Like Huskerpro we had onsite test

On-site test? At the airport?
I have read about this a bit, tell me more from your experience. Going to CR soon and coming back early Jan… they say get to the airport 4 hours early for your flight home, is that to allow time for Covid testing? What if you do it earlier or elsewhere? My flight from SJO to LAX is after midnight but I’ll be back in San Jose around 4pm or so. If I can get a test early do I have to get to the airport 4 hours before my flight?

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

On-site test? At the airport?
I have read about this a bit, tell me more from your experience. Going to CR soon and coming back early Jan… they say get to the airport 4 hours early for your flight home, is that to allow time for Covid testing? What if you do it earlier or elsewhere? My flight from SJO to LAX is after midnight but I’ll be back in San Jose around 4pm or so. If I can get a test early do I have to get to the airport 4 hours before my flight?

I had one experience with airport PCR testing in Miami that got the results back to me in 5 minutes.. it was a false positive. Cost me an additional $300 to rebook tickets 2.5 weeks later and a bunch of logistical headaches, but I suspect most people won't run into that issue.

I think they guaranteed a two hour turnaround, so 4 hours should be enough time at most places.

 

[mwulf]

Booked my flight to Rome last night. 116 bucks after using airline miles. Airline miles are the way to go to fly cheap. 30k miles will get you to Europe. Flying back 1st business for 54k from Prague

 

[BeautifulDayintheNeighborhood]

Shouldn’t be too bad in North Korea. They don’t have COVID their

 

[jteten]

Prior to Covid, wife and I traveled to Europe every summer around July 4th for the last 10 years. Haven’t been out of country for the last 2. Hoping to restart the tradition the summer of 2022. No matter how many hoops we need to jump through, I’ll buy new shoes. Gotta get out of here.

 

[Charlie Marlow_rivals363743]

Shouldn’t be too bad in North Korea. They don’t have COVID their

It's because they have the strictest anti-coronavirus policies.

 

[Anegada1]

On-site test? At the airport?
I have read about this a bit, tell me more from your experience. Going to CR soon and coming back early Jan… they say get to the airport 4 hours early for your flight home, is that to allow time for Covid testing? What if you do it earlier or elsewhere? My flight from SJO to LAX is after midnight but I’ll be back in San Jose around 4pm or so. If I can get a test early do I have to get to the airport 4 hours before my flight?

Test was at the hotel ( Planet Hollywood ) , super easy. We were there 2 hours before flight and had way more time than we needed. They were very helpful . You should be good if test is within 24 hours. We have global entry which makes things faster, but the couple we traveled with did not have it and still had more than enough time. Enjoy your trip, feel free to PM me with any other questions.

 

[realHuskerDrew]

Test was at the hotel ( Planet Hollywood ) , super easy. We were there 2 hours before flight and had way more time than we needed. They were very helpful . You should be good if test is within 24 hours. We have global entry which makes things faster, but the couple we traveled with did not have it and still had more than enough time. Enjoy your trip, feel free to PM me with any other questions.

Thanks man! I think we will go that route, as we have about 10 hours from the time we get back into San Jose and when our flight leaves. Just wanted to check because no way I am sitting in an airport for 4+ hours if I don’t have to. It will be mine and my family’s first time to Costa Rica.

 

[Anegada1]

Thanks man! I think we will go that route, as we have about 10 hours from the time we get back into San Jose and when our flight leaves. Just wanted to check because no way I am sitting in an airport for 4+ hours if I don’t have to. It will be mine and my family’s first time to Costa Rica.

Was our first time as well. Have a great trip !

 

[schuele]

A small travel tip for Costa Rica: Even though it is wayyyyy east, essentially straight south of Miami, Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time. So to get the most of your outdoor plans, get up and get going early. Gets dark very early in the evening.

 

[SLOHusker]

A small travel tip for Costa Rica: Even though it is wayyyyy east, essentially straight south of Miami, Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time. So to get the most of your outdoor plans, get up and get going early. Gets dark very early in the evening.

We're going to CR in late May. Can't wait. I booked a hotel with on-site testing for the last 3 days just to make it easier. I really want to see every animal I can so I made that a priority in the first 5 days.

 

[BorisSutherland]

Good one.

 

[aloha20]

The rules and restrictions on pandemic travel are changing every day, so you shouldn't be surprised. The countries of Asia and Europe indeed impose more severe restrictions. I also planned a mini trip to the Netherlands this winter, but due to a lockdown, I gave up. I wanted to visit my grandparents, who live there. I hope this year will be possible. In a month, I fly to Costa Rica; I have been planning this vacation for a year, booked Jungle Vista Hotel, and planned all my activities here. I hope nothing is cancelled.

 

[realHuskerDrew]

The rules and restrictions on pandemic travel are changing every day, so you shouldn't be surprised. The countries of Asia and Europe indeed impose more severe restrictions. I also planned a mini trip to the Netherlands this winter, but due to a lockdown, I gave up. I wanted to visit my grandparents, who live there. I hope this year will be possible. In a month, I fly to Costa Rica; I have been planning this vacation for a year, booked Jungle Vista Hotel, and planned all my activities here. I hope nothing is cancelled.

I got back from a family vacation in CR around Christmas. It wasn’t really an issue there, and I think there are some official rules about vaccine cards, etc, it didn’t seem like they would care too much.
The biggest issue was that we didn’t want to test positive before the return flight otherwise you couldn’t come back and would have to quarantine. Ridiculous rules IMO.
Good luck man, Manuel Antonio was great, the ocean was nice and warm, people were great.

 

[NikkiSixx_rivals269993]

Just wanted to update this thread with some new information (at least to me).

It seems in some countries (mostly EU) they have this idea of vaccine expiration.. basically meaning that they won't consider you vaccinated, unless you have had the jab/booster within the last 270 days (roughly 9 months) and others to 180 days (6 months) starting Feb 1.

What this means is, If you were fully vaccinated over a year ago, that vacination may not count anymore for international travel or say traveling via train between countries (like in the EU).

I am running into something like this in Indonesia, where their app to prove vaccination is now requiring the 3rd jab to enter malls and other places of business. Of course the app is not reliable and there is no way to update your information either, so it's a standard mess to try and get anything fixed.

I reluctantly got the J&J booster in November, just so I would have 2 jabs on my card when I left the US, and now it seems a person could get stuck having to get another jab, in order to return home at a later date.

Testing is filled with corruption here as well, with fake positive tests milking additional money from tourists while they quarantine and have to reschedule flights and plans. It has gotten so bad, that the government is allowing people to get a second opinion 'test' for an additional charge.

I am contemplating trying to get out of here, but that may prove to be much more difficult than it was previously.

If you are planning to travel internationally, please be aware of these possible new changes that could affect you.

 

[SuperBigFan]

Just wanted to update this thread with some new information (at least to me).

It seems in some countries (mostly EU) they have this idea of vaccine expiration.. basically meaning that they won't consider you vaccinated, unless you have had the jab/booster within the last 270 days (roughly 9 months) and others to 180 days (6 months) starting Feb 1.

What this means is, If you were fully vaccinated over a year ago, that vacination may not count anymore for international travel or say traveling via train between countries (like in the EU).

I am running into something like this in Indonesia, where their app to prove vaccination is now requiring the 3rd jab to enter malls and other places of business. Of course the app is not reliable and there is no way to update your information either, so it's a standard mess to try and get anything fixed.

I reluctantly got the J&J booster in November, just so I would have 2 jabs on my card when I left the US, and now it seems a person could get stuck having to get another jab, in order to return home at a later date.

Testing is filled with corruption here as well, with fake positive tests milking additional money from tourists while they quarantine and have to reschedule flights and plans. It has gotten so bad, that the government is allowing people to get a second opinion 'test' for an additional charge.

I am contemplating trying to get out of here, but that may prove to be much more difficult than it was previously.

If you are planning to travel internationally, please be aware of these possible new changes that could affect you.

This sounds annoying AF.