No way for a winter vacay? Try these

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/09/2020 (1476 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The internal conflicts between fear of travel during a pandemic and the desire to escape Manitoba’s winters is strong. Holidays in Canada appeared at first to be the only solution, but for many, our destinations are not at all comparable to previous sunspot experiences — although those who like skiing seem to be ready to hit the slopes rather than the sand.

Expedia, the huge online travel agency — recently reported that Banff has been the No. 1 destination for travellers booking advance vacations.

However, the more distant holiday pursuits are still forefront in traveller wishes, held back both by concerns over COVID-19 at the chosen destination concerns and the fear of sitting in an aircraft for the potentially long durations of time in getting there.

Perhaps some of these worries may be overstated. In conversations with people who have recently travelled by air in Canada, the consensus seems to be that on most of the trips have been taken — the aircraft has been only one-quarter to one-half full. The people with whom I spoke were also very impressed by the care and cleanliness the airlines were committed to, from the beginning to the end of their journeys.

Capacity may change as time goes on but at the present time there doesn’t seem to be the crowding that had worried many.

Those who want to get away for the winter are seeking destinations where the risk of getting COVID-19 is low. Until now, COVID insurance was impossible to acquire, but some insurance companies, and destination resorts, have options for purchasing coverage.

The Government of Canada website at www.travel.gc.ca is still advising against non-essential travel outside of Canada. It also offers an additional warning about limited transportation options — expressing concerns about repatriation should a country’s border be closed because of a sudden rise in cases. Travel insurance may also contain exemptions for ignoring the government’s travel advisory, particularly in regard to coverage for COVID-related medical issues.

For those who are still holding open the option for a foreign vacation this winter, here are some of the countries that have been able to put a lid on the spread of the virus — some of them even more than Canada has.

When reviews are published about the spread of COVID-19 in countries, Taiwan is seldom included. Because of China’s political insistence that Taiwan belongs to them, official releases tend to leave Taiwan’s figures out.

However, Taiwan is amongst the very best in the world, with fewer than 500 cases and fewer than 10 deaths. Visitors must quarantine and will be subject to various temperature and other checks along the way, but the country is, for the most part, totally open, including restaurants and bars. A 14-day quarantine requirement rules out a two-week vacation, however.

The population has bought into their expressions which states, “This is your country and it’s up to you to save it.”

I had the chance to visit Taiwan a few years ago and it is an exceptional country to visit.

Taipei is a fascinating city unto itself, but Yeliou Geopark and Baoan Temple as well as places such as Sun Moon Lake and the various shrines and temples are all worth visiting.

You may have noticed the continuous television commercials advertising Sandals properties. While the brand is spread throughout the Caribbean, its foundational home is Jamaica.

It, and the Jamaican Tourist Board, have been very aggressive in their promotions because the country has had just 2,357 cases and only 21 deaths. Officials feel they have successfully brought the spread under control.

Jamaica has always been a popular destination for Canadians — and until this year, had weekly non-stop flights to Montego Bay. Whether this will continue may depend upon demand as things improve.

Two other Asian countries are worth mentioning. Both Thailand and Vietnam have done an exceptional job in controlling the spread of the virus.

Thailand shut their economy down quickly and strongly — and when there was a recent rise in the spread, it moved quickly to control it.

I have visited Thailand twice — and there are few places that would be a better place to spend a winter in. The people are very friendly, the prices for winter accommodation are reasonable and it is very inexpensive to live there.

From the beaches to the cities to the inland sights — you will never be sorry you chose this country to escape to.

While I have yet to visit Vietnam, from returning guests I know it offers many of the same qualities.

Closer to home Antigua, Curacao, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are all good options.

The next few weeks will determine how our government feels about us leaving the country, and whether there is a second wave in any of these destinations.

Ed. note: This article is intended as general advice only. Readers should conduct their own research regarding their choices of destinations.