Lately, unsurprisingly, people have been turning to me for travel advice. In the last month I’ve spoken to everyone from popular travel magazines to the Washington Post and New York Times. It’s because everyone is itching to travel, but finding the rules and regulations a bit confusing. I’m more than happy to sort through the current, daily, and very specific, Italian laws to let you know which if any test you need, where you need to wear a mask and/or any vaccination requirements. Even though these laws are constantly shifting, that is the easy part of giving this sort of advice.
I too agree with everything you’ve said. We have traveled extensively, including internationally when we finally could, throughout Covid by taking precautions, researching rules at destinations, getting vaccinated as soon as allowed and contacting friends who live there to take the temperature of where we’d like to go. Yes, it’s a hassle until you get there. Our lives have all changed so much since March 2020. Realizing that the “new normal” means more work for the responsible traveller (and in so many other areas of our lives) is the only constant. A sense of adventure plus a good attitude is everything.
Agree with everything you said. Heading to Ischia and the Amalfi coast in a few weeks and I cannot wait! Following all protocols necessary while enjoying every minute xo
Totally agree on the travel - these are new times going forward - those who hang on to the dream wanting everything to go back to before March 2020 and can not understand that, will be constantly frustrated, disappointed, and angry.
I totally agree with you on the travel thing. Our son is living in London and we are going next week. We are taking what feels like a million tests before and after arrival but its worth it. Also, our comfort level means we are not cutting corners this time. Its going to cost more but I don't care. Travelling business class for more room, taking cabs not the tube, going to more outdoor venues. Then on to Switzerland to see my father in law. Haven't seen him in 2 years! I know we are lucky to be able to make these choices.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said travel wise! As a matter of fact we have travelled intensely - except for lockdown periods - for 18 months. We always take precautions and follow the rules and of course are vaccinated but I don’t believe in “waiting” in life. Covid certainly reinforced that theory I have always lived by - we only have now so get to it ! Loved your Sicily travels! Best Dominique
Thank you so much for this! We leave for Italy in 25 days. It was difficult to decide to take the plunge but the minute Italy announced the Green Pass we were in. Great advice about ongoing testing! Our government (Ontario) is finally figuring out this is the only way forward. We’re heading straight back to Ravello - the most magical place in the world - to our tiny ‘home’ 450 steps down from town and 3500 steps up from Minori (no road access) great for burning off those carbs - and then to Puglia thanks to all of your wonderful stories. And we can never, ever get enough time in Roma. The three most dreaded words at the end of a trip are ‘we leave tomorrow’. Thank you for your wonderful stories and pics. This could not have come at a better time!
I am booked to travel to Italy this September on a hiking trip to Cinque Terre because I am ready to start travelling again. However, keeping up with the changing Italian rules is challenging, particularly for Canadians, some of whom have been vaccinated with vaccines that are not on Italy's "approved" list, like the Astra Zeneca vaccine manufactured in China (which as any doctor will tell you is the same in terms of efficacy as the one manufactured in England) and some of whom mixed vaccines. It is still not clear to me whether I can show my Pfizer vaccination certificate from my second does instead of the results of a rapid Covid test to get on a train or into a restaurant, but I hope it will all become clearer when I arrive. I can't wait.
We here in Sydney are in lockdown (almost complete) until we reach 70% fully vaccinated. It is very hard for someone who has already been vaccinated to wait for this magic number and then at 80% we are supposed to fully open. I very much look forward to reading of your adventures and am eagerly looking to get on a plane again or at a minimum go to a restaurant (available now for takeout only). I fully agree with the advice to get vaccinated and masking up whenever social distancing can't be achieved. - we all need to do our best.
One concern I have is visitor's impact on the Italians. My sense is that vaccination rates are much lower in Italy than the US and I'd hate to be on holiday while also making resident's ill. Especially where the Delta variant is so contagious and the symptoms can be negligible. Thoughts??
I too agree with everything you’ve said. We have traveled extensively, including internationally when we finally could, throughout Covid by taking precautions, researching rules at destinations, getting vaccinated as soon as allowed and contacting friends who live there to take the temperature of where we’d like to go. Yes, it’s a hassle until you get there. Our lives have all changed so much since March 2020. Realizing that the “new normal” means more work for the responsible traveller (and in so many other areas of our lives) is the only constant. A sense of adventure plus a good attitude is everything.
Agree with everything you said. Heading to Ischia and the Amalfi coast in a few weeks and I cannot wait! Following all protocols necessary while enjoying every minute xo
Totally agree on the travel - these are new times going forward - those who hang on to the dream wanting everything to go back to before March 2020 and can not understand that, will be constantly frustrated, disappointed, and angry.
I totally agree with you on the travel thing. Our son is living in London and we are going next week. We are taking what feels like a million tests before and after arrival but its worth it. Also, our comfort level means we are not cutting corners this time. Its going to cost more but I don't care. Travelling business class for more room, taking cabs not the tube, going to more outdoor venues. Then on to Switzerland to see my father in law. Haven't seen him in 2 years! I know we are lucky to be able to make these choices.
Buon compleanno to Sophie and augurie
on the publication of her book The Sweetness of Doing Nothing. Loved it!
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said travel wise! As a matter of fact we have travelled intensely - except for lockdown periods - for 18 months. We always take precautions and follow the rules and of course are vaccinated but I don’t believe in “waiting” in life. Covid certainly reinforced that theory I have always lived by - we only have now so get to it ! Loved your Sicily travels! Best Dominique
Thank you so much for this! We leave for Italy in 25 days. It was difficult to decide to take the plunge but the minute Italy announced the Green Pass we were in. Great advice about ongoing testing! Our government (Ontario) is finally figuring out this is the only way forward. We’re heading straight back to Ravello - the most magical place in the world - to our tiny ‘home’ 450 steps down from town and 3500 steps up from Minori (no road access) great for burning off those carbs - and then to Puglia thanks to all of your wonderful stories. And we can never, ever get enough time in Roma. The three most dreaded words at the end of a trip are ‘we leave tomorrow’. Thank you for your wonderful stories and pics. This could not have come at a better time!
Fully agree with everything you say. Heading to Italy at the end of September and Sophie booked all of my dinner reservations in Rome!
I am booked to travel to Italy this September on a hiking trip to Cinque Terre because I am ready to start travelling again. However, keeping up with the changing Italian rules is challenging, particularly for Canadians, some of whom have been vaccinated with vaccines that are not on Italy's "approved" list, like the Astra Zeneca vaccine manufactured in China (which as any doctor will tell you is the same in terms of efficacy as the one manufactured in England) and some of whom mixed vaccines. It is still not clear to me whether I can show my Pfizer vaccination certificate from my second does instead of the results of a rapid Covid test to get on a train or into a restaurant, but I hope it will all become clearer when I arrive. I can't wait.
We here in Sydney are in lockdown (almost complete) until we reach 70% fully vaccinated. It is very hard for someone who has already been vaccinated to wait for this magic number and then at 80% we are supposed to fully open. I very much look forward to reading of your adventures and am eagerly looking to get on a plane again or at a minimum go to a restaurant (available now for takeout only). I fully agree with the advice to get vaccinated and masking up whenever social distancing can't be achieved. - we all need to do our best.
One concern I have is visitor's impact on the Italians. My sense is that vaccination rates are much lower in Italy than the US and I'd hate to be on holiday while also making resident's ill. Especially where the Delta variant is so contagious and the symptoms can be negligible. Thoughts??