As the world begins to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more destinations are welcoming back visitors.

Airlines, hotels, resorts and ground handlers have invested heavily in health and safety protocols and are eager to welcome travelers back.

That said, the federal government’s advisory warning Canadians against non-essential travel to destinations outside of Canada is still in place. That’s an issue for getting travel insurance.

Also, under current federal regulations it is mandatory that all Canadians returning to Canada self-isolate under quarantine for 14 days.

We have ALL the latest updates to help you plan your next vacation.

U.S. travelers headed to Puerto Rico must be fully vaccinated or, if unvaccinated, travelers over the age of 2 must show proof of a PCR or antigen test result taken within 72 hours of arrival and be tested weekly for stays longer than a week.

Hawaii’s governor asked Monday that visitors and residents reduce travel to the islands to essential business only while the state struggles to control COVID-19 as the highly contagious delta variant spreads in the community.

It's been several years in the making, but the doors have finally opened on Mexico's first Nickelodeon-branded resort. The Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya rolled out the "orange carpet" on Aug. 2 with ultimate pomp and circumstance. The resort is part of the Karisma Hotels & Resorts family and is not far from the Generations Riviera Maya property.

Good news for anyone interested in booking an extended domestic trip this summer:

The Amtrak rail pass is back—and it's discounted for a limited time. This week, Amtrak announced it would relaunch its USA Rail Pass, a multi-ride ticket that allows passengers to book 10 segments of travel over 30 days while paying one low fare.

Entry Requirements

Initial Information – Phuket Sandbox The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to provide the initial information on the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ model to safely reopen Phuket to fully vaccinated international travellers from 1 July, 2021.

A Safe and Sound Summer

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many travelers to give extra consideration to safety when planning their summer vacation.

While there's no way to completely eliminate risk from your next getaway, here's a look at some of the safest destinations across the nation based on COVID-19 infection and crime rates as well as some other important metrics.

Chicago, like most major cities, normally attracts millions of tourists throughout the year with its incredible culture, architecture, live entertainment — not to mention a stunningly beautiful lakefront that beckons people to run, bike, and host barbecues.

Now that the world has started to come back to life, Chicago is throwing open her arms to visitors once again this summer. As a lifelong Chicagoan, and someone who loves exploring the city, it has brought me so much joy to feel every neighborhood reenergize and seeing restaurants, which have suffered painfully over the last year, get packed again.

BRUSSELS (AP) -- The European Union unveiled plans Wednesday to revamp Europe’s ID check-free travel area after national coronavirus restrictions placed new strains on tourism, travel and business throughout the bloc over the last year.

The travel zone, known as the “Schengen area,” is made up of 26 countries: 22 EU nations plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Normally, people and goods move freely between these countries without border checks.

The U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning Americans against traveling to Japan.

The guidance comes less than two months before the July 23 beginning of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, although organizers have already said there will be no international tourists at the Games.

The US Virgin Islands Is Open

The U.S. Virgin Islands has reopened to travel with enhanced health and safety protocols in place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to being one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, the USVI—consisting of the main islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas—is among the most accessible to Americans, who won't need a passport to visit or a negative COVID-19 test result to return home to the mainland U.S. after their trip. Nonetheless, there are some important things tourists should know before they venture to America's Caribbean Paradise in 2021.

Jamaica Is Open

Jamaica continues to welcome international travelers with enhanced health and safety protocols in place. The Caribbean country was one of the first to reopen to foreign tourists last year, implementing resilient corridors that allowed for the safe reopening of a majority of the country's top tourist attractions. More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica continues to be one of the most exciting and easily accessible destinations in the world. But before you go, here are some important things to know.

Traveling to Hawaii in 2021

For the first time since 2019, Hawaii is a real possibility for summer travelers, who are showing plenty of interest in the Aloha State. Hawaii's Safe Travels pre-travel testing program makes it both safer and easier to visit the islands in the time of COVID-19 as travelers can test out of quarantine. Airlines have resumed flights from the mainland United States and are making it simple to secure an accepted test result within the 72-hour window while hotels, resorts and the destination's renowned beaches and natural and cultural attractions are once again welcoming back visitors. But before you book your trip to Hawaii in 2021, here are some things you should know.

Entry Into Europe

Europe is beginning to open up to travelers from outside the continent just in time for summer. While it's been nearly 15 months since the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared and borders were initially closed to non-essential travel, travelers will have to wait a bit longer to visit some of Europe's marquee destinations but can at least start the planning process in some cases. Future visitors should also anticipate travel requirements such as proof of vaccination against the coronavirus or recovery as well as negative COVID-19 test results for the foreseeable future. Here's a look at the latest reopening dates and entry requirements for some of Europe's top destinations this summer.

Disneyland Resort will once again welcome travelers from outside of California starting on June 15.

The news, announced on Disney Parks Blog, comes as California plans for a full reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universal Orlando Resort will no longer require fully vaccinated guests to wear face masks while indoors or outdoors, effective Saturday, May 29.

The theme park said the decision is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is asking unvaccinated guests to continue to wear face-coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, staff will not ask mask-less guests for proof of vaccination.

Sandals Resorts International revealed more of its plans for its three new resorts in Jamaica, first announced in late April.

Sandals will transform two Ocho Rios properties acquired last year, plus a prime parcel of beachfront land, into three distinct resorts.

Puerto Rico will relax entry protocols for inbound domestic travelers who are fully vaccinated, including the elimination of a negative Covid-19 test result, effective May 25, according to the government's latest executive order.

Those travelers must present a valid vaccination card upon entry.

Two trails and a visitor station have reopened in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Kona and Glover trails in the park's Kahuku Unit were closed to protect native ohia trees from a deadly fungus. Public access was reinstated on May 13.

Though the EU's decision to reopen borders to vaccinated travelers is encouraging news for travel advisors and their clients, confusion reigns as they try to navigate different rules, regulations and procedures, all while waiting for more information.

NASSAU — Baha Mar in The Bahamas has announced that fully vaccinated guests will not be required to take a rapid antigen test after check-in, allowing them to immediately move freely throughout the resort destination.

Disneyland Resort's Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel and Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif., have set reopening dates, with the former scheduled to resume operations on June 15 and the latter welcoming back guests on July 2.

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Whenever we speak with travel advisors about where their clients are traveling to, Mexico is almost always mentioned. And that’s for a handful of reasons — for one, it’s been one of the few countries open to Americans during the pandemic and, for another, it’s proximity and accessibility from the States. Another good reason to visit? Mexico has seen plenty of new hotel openings in 2020 and will continue to debut new properties all throughout 2021. Here are some that Travel Agent is most excited about:

BRUSSELS (AP) -- The European Union on Wednesday took a step toward relaxing tourism travel for visitors from outside the bloc, with EU ambassadors agreeing on measures to allow fully vaccinated visitors in.

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​They also agreed on easing the criteria for nations to be considered a safe country, from which all tourists can travel. Up to now, that list included only seven nations.

Universal Orlando Resort announced the debut of an all-new, interactive character experience, dubbed DreamWorks Destination, coming this spring.

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​Visitors to the theme park can meet, greet and dance along with their favorite DreamWorks characters in a themed location that brings the high-energy fun of the franchise’s most popular animated films to life.

European Union ambassadors announced Wednesday it would open non-essential travel to fully vaccinated visitors.

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​According to The Associated Press, EU officials approved the ruling that tourists from outside the bloc who have been fully vaccinated should be allowed in and restrictions on which countries are considered safe would be eased.

Jamaica Is Open

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Jamaica continues to welcome international travelers with enhanced health and safety protocols in place. The Caribbean country was one of the first to reopen to foreign tourists last year, implementing resilient corridors that allowed for the safe reopening of a majority of the country's top tourist attractions. More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica continues to be one of the most exciting and easily accessible destinations in the world. But before you go, here are some important things to know.

The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular destinations for summer travel in 2021 and is one of the few countries allowing foreign visitors to enter without proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or vaccination against the coronavirus. The Caribbean country was among the first to reopen to international travel last year, giving the long-awaited green light for travelers to experience its beautiful beaches, fascinating culture and exceptional all-inclusive resorts catering to guests of all types. Before you visit this tropical favorite this summer, here are some important things to know.

In such a well-traveled southwestern state, it might seem tricky to get off the beaten path. From stunning red rock landscape and towering desert cacti to gorgeous mountains and abundant canyons, Arizona's diverse terrain is a treat to explore. Nothing can put a damper on a travel experience like trying to enjoy overrun attractions. Unearth hidden treasures away from the crowds by discovering both under-the-radar destinations and lesser-known spots within the popular ones. A camper van-style road trip is an incredible way to experience the less-crowded gems. Captaining your own camper puts you in charge of your own adventure, giving you the advantage to be the first to experience amazing locations for the day...because you slept there.

The Bahamas continues to be one of the most highly sought-after international destinations for Americans ahead of summer 2021 as it offers travelers an affordable escape to paradise that requires brief travel time, especially for those visiting from the East Coast. The Bahamas is open to international travel and has been for some time. Fully vaccinated travelers will have a much easier time visiting this summer, but regardless of your vaccination status, here are some important things to know before you go.

Travel is back and it feels so good, but this summer travel season is still going to look a bit different. People will still wear masks on airplanes and in many indoor establishments and Covid protocols won’t be gone overnight, but as we race toward Memorial Day, it’s encouraging to foresee a return to normality.

Travelers preparing to visit the Walt Disney World Resort will need to be aware of updated social distancing protocols.

According to Disney World’s official website, the theme park revealed it would be reducing physical distancing measures put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, but the updated guidelines would be implemented in phases.

Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and the nearby Universal Orlando theme parks, announced on Friday that guests will no longer have to wear facemasks while outdoors.

The new policy goes into effect today, Saturday, May 15.

Officials from Disneyland Paris announced through the theme park’s official website it would reopen to guests on June 17.

In addition to the reopening of the main portion of the French property, Disney revealed Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney’s Newport Bay Club Hotel and Disney Village would also reopen.

Hilton has officially opened its latest all-inclusive, the adults-only Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Mexico.

The resort, which was formerly the Live Aqua Playa del Carmen, marks the first all-inclusive to open under Hilton's Tapestry Collection.

Privacy, small groups, open space — these are just a few of the features that travelers are putting a premium on thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, recent research has proven that another word can be added to that list: boutique.

Kirkwood Collection, a portfolio of luxury boutique hotels in California, conducted a study with STR after the brand’s founder, Alex Kirkwood, realized that there wasn’t any data specific to the post-pandemic recovery of properties with less than 30 keys. The results of the study, which focused on the boutique hotel sector in California coastal drive markets, revealed that these hotels are recovering at a much faster rate than larger resorts, providing the first statistical proof that travelers are increasingly opting to stay at smaller properties.

What will stay and what will go once health protocols become less urgent? Disney has rolled out some pandemic-inspired practices that analysts and advisors believe are here to stay. Senior editor Jamie Biesiada, on her first visit to Walt Disney World since the pandemic began, reports back.

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In March 2020, Disney World and its California counterpart, the Disneyland Resort, closed their doors to visitors indefinitely. Disneyland would not reopen its parks until April 2021 due to state restrictions, but officials in Florida began planning a phased reopening as the spring of 2020 progressed.

New York's Times Square Edition hotel, which was once expected to shutter permanently, is now scheduled to reopen on June 1.

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​Its sister property, the New York Edition hotel in Manhattan's NoMad district, has already reopened and is welcoming back guests starting May 11.

Maui County, which includes the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai, has updated its regulations as of May 4 to require a Covid-19 test upon arrival for all those seeking an exemption from the state's 10-day quarantine period.

Under Hawaii's Safe Travels program, travelers from out of state must take an approved Covid-19 test within 72 hours of their departure for the Islands and submit proof of a negative result in order to skip quarantine. After experiencing an uptick in Covid-19 cases, including a handful of clusters, Maui officials decided to add an extra layer to the protocol.

The Halekulani Hotel, closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic and currently undergoing renovation, is slated to reopen Oct. 1.

After the property halted operations when the spread of Covid-19 prompted stay-at-home orders, management later announced the Waikiki resort would remain closed until at least July 2021 while they took advantage of the closure to execute a number of upgrades.

Thanks to high employee vaccination rates, Wynn Resorts and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas are among the first Las Vegas Strip operators to resume 100% capacity at their casinos.

In a statement, Wynn Resorts announced that as of May 3, 88% of its Las Vegas employees have been vaccinated against Covid-19. As a result, the company recently received permission from the Nevada Gaming Control Board to begin operating gaming areas at its Wynn and Encore properties at 100% capacity as well as remove plexiglass dividers from all table games and slot machines, effective May 1.

New York City is planning to fully reopen July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday morning on MSNBC. This means that businesses including stores, restaurants, theaters, gyms, offices and more can operate at full capacity. In the announcement, Mayor de Blasio commended the city’s vaccination efforts and low hospitalization numbers, noting that New Yorkers are “beating back COVID more and more.”

It looks like Americans will have yet another country in Europe that they will be able to visit this summer. Spain announced this week that it would be looking to implement a digital certificate as a pilot this May for a potential reopening to international visitors in June. Through the program, spearheaded by the European Travel Commission, travelers would be able to show records of their vaccination history, recent negative COVID test results or proof that they have recently recovered from the virus.

Following the news that the European Union was set to welcome Americans to the bloc this summer, a slew of countries in Europe have announced their own, specific reopening plans. Last week, France announced plans to progressively lift its travel restrictions, beginning in May. Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has come out with additional details, including France’s border reopening to non-E.U. countries.

On April 1, Croatia opened its borders to U.S. travelers who are fully inoculated against COVID-19, making the small Mediterranean nation one of the first in Europe to institute a vaccine passport program for travelers.

U.S. leisure travelers can return to French Polynesia on May 1, but they will first need to be fully vaccinated and also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test — taken no more than three days before their departure — to avoid an otherwise mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The Government of Barbados has updated its travel protocols required for entry to the country as it continues to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and protect its citizens and visitors alike. As a result, due to the global on-going vaccination process, there have been a few changes to the quarantine and COVID-19 testing processes.

As of April 20, 2021, travelers to Curaçao arriving from high-risk countries, who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past six months, are required to take an antigen test at a local laboratory on the third day of their stay.

The Government of Grenada is reducing the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated persons entering the country. Effective May 1, 2021, persons providing proof of full vaccination will only be required to quarantine for up to 48 hours, pending a negative result from a PCR test, administered on entry.

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The Islands of Tahiti are reopening their borders on May 1 to U.S. travelers and will waive quarantine requirements for travelers who are vaccinated against Covid-19 or show proof of recent recovery.

This week, Greece reopened international tourism sans quarantine restrictions for travelers from the European Union and five other countries, including the United States. To avoid the quarantine upon arrival, all visitors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or show a negative PCR test carried out 72 hours prior to their arrival, according to a report from Reuters.

After spending three days in Disney's Orlando theme parks, it's clear that while nearly everything has changed, some old trends have emerged.

Curacao has added an entry requirement for U.S. travelers, and Saba will welcome U.S. visitors starting on May 1 but with different rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Elegant Hotels -- the Barbados-based hotel group acquired by Marriott International in late 2019 -- will reopen its adults-only Treasure Beach and the House properties this spring, repositioning both as all-inclusive resorts under the Marriott portfolio.

Senior editor Jamie Biesiada visited the Walt Disney World Resort on a media trip hosted by Disney, experiencing the property for the first time since March 2020.

There are some notable differences in visits to Disney's theme parks now and before the pandemic, but the experience is still fun and, most importantly, feels safe.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece on Monday lifted quarantine restrictions for travelers from most European countries, as well as Israel and the United States as it prepares to reopen tourism services next month despite an ongoing emergency in pandemic-related hospital care.

Hawaii is gearing up for a new phase in its tourism reopening as officials announced partnerships with a trio of companies working to develop a vaccine passport, which they hope to unveil by summer to ease entry into the Aloha State.

Resorts World Las Vegas will open on June 24, and reservations can now be booked across all three of the resort's Hilton-flagged properties.

ASTA has decried a new bill in the Texas House of Representatives that, if passed, would impose taxes on travel services related to hotel bookings in the state.

Resort properties in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina saw occupancy and ADR growth surge past 2019 levels for the month of March, according to data from Inntopia's DestiMetrics division.

Resort properties across those three markets saw occupancy increase 5% compared with March 2019, which DestiMetrics described as a "more typical year of recreational travel," providing a better comparison period than 2020.

Grantley Adams airport in Barbados will remain closed until at least noon on Friday, April 16, according to published reports.

Keeping up with the ever-changing entry requirements for Hawaii hasn’t been easy during the pandemic. But that hasn’t deterred throngs of tourists from forging ahead with travel plans, especially to the island of Maui.

One year into the pandemic, travelers are feeling more safe getting out and about and traveling internationally, and Mexico has been a top choice.

“We've seen an unbelievable rebound in travel, and Mexico remains the hottest destination,” said James Berglie, president of Be All Inclusive. “Although I haven't been able to travel in a couple months due to the work-load. We have had a resurgence of new bookings and have been scrambling to hire help and just keep up with the surge.”

The Mexican state of Quintana Roo announced a series of new sanitary stations being positioned around the region as tourism numbers are expected to spike during the spring holiday travel period.

Tourists arriving in the Mexican state Quintana Roo, home to popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya, will have to pay an $11 travel tax beginning April 1.

To quote Princess Anna in Disney's "Frozen:" "for the first time in [what feels like] forever, there'll be magic, there'll be fun.” And that’s because the state of California announced on March 5 that theme parks — including Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood — can reopen as early as April 1. 

We’re super happy to announce the Riviera Nayarit recently reopened its beaches to locals and tourists. There’s nothing better than kicking back on a beach in the Riviera Nayarit and working on your tan!

We know you might have a few doubts about what’s going on, we’re ready to answer all the questions. Keep reading for details to keep yourself in the know for your next vacation or weekend getaway.

Several restaurants are rethinking Vietnamese cooking by giving it a modern twist. Bà Bà in D1 is one such place.

      Run by a French-Vietnamese couple and serving inexpensive bowls of rice noodles and spring rolls, it’s a modern iteration of a mom-and-pop shop, and a sleeker alternative to the omnipresent street stalls

“In Cancun, we are going to adhere to the law and the law says that we will open the beaches when the traffic light is yellow,”

Elbiorn Vega said. “The publication that came out is for an exclusive pilot program in Playa del Carmen from August 20 to 30 to see how people behave and it does not include Cancun.”

Over the years, Cancun and the surrounding areas have become some of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico to visit. These areas are especially appealing to those living in places with cooler, and not so sunny, weather.

As the fall and winter months approach, travelers are becoming more and more willing to take a vacation and are wondering if Cancun is a safe place to go.

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The fact that the destination has been successfully open since June without having to shut down should tell you something.

Tourists have been filtering in and out of their favorite resorts, soaking up the sun on those lovely white-sand beaches and indulging in all the delicious cuisine throughout the summer months.

To boost traveler confidence, a growing number of hotels and destinations have begun offering free medical insurance to guests.

Most recently, Sandals announced all guests staying at one of their properties in the Caribbean will receive free medical coverage, including COVID-19 related expenses, for bookings now through Dec. 31, 2020.

The testing program, which goes into effect on Oct. 15 for travelers age 5 and older, will allow travelers to bypass Hawaii's mandated 14-day quarantine with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The test must be from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory and taken within 72 hours of the visitor's last leg of their trip.

Critics of the plan say that the testing program will not do enough to protect locals from possible cases of COVID-19. By not making the tests mandatory for all — some travelers may still opt for the two-week quarantine — travelers could unintentionally contract the virus.

Escape to the Caribbean

As increasing numbers of Caribbean countries open their borders for tourism, questions arise as to the different policies regarding their COVID-19 protocols.

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Although the lion’s share of destinations requires negative COVID tests prior to arrival, they don’t all require that travelers quarantine.

At this stage, the free PCR test is maintained for clients upon arrival at the airport, equally, clients must travel with COVID-19 insurance, and if this is not possible, then they have to buy Cuban medical insurance coverage at the airport upon arrival at the cost of 30 USD.

“The situation is very fluid”, said Mr. Gomez, “I’m looking forward to the time when this safe zone is expanded to include more hotels and more services, but right now we are happy to open Varadero, one of the Canadian favourite destination”.

MIAMI — Palace Resorts’ Sun Palace has completed its multimillion-dollar renovation, featuring redesigned guest suites and new luxury dining options on the shores of Cancun.

Located 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the newly transformed, adults-only resort has officially reopened after undergoing extensive improvements to its interiors and exteriors. According to Claudia Ferreiro of the design team, the new design aimed to bring the outside world in through ample lighting and natural materials.

Sunwing-owned DMC NexusTours has introduced new digital services that include 24/7 access to a virtual concierge and a fully contactless experience for customers in destination.

“We are committed to providing our customers with the very best possible experience, and that is what our new service promise is all about. Our travel partners, suppliers and travelers can rest assured that they are in good hands with our new customer-centric value proposition,” said Ruben Gutierrez, President Sunwing Destination Services/NexusTours.

Canadians are bringing vacations back to Cuba as the Caribbean island welcomed its first round of guests on Friday (Sept. 4th) care of Air Canada.  

The plane arrived from Montreal at Cayo Coco airport mid-day, representing a major milestone for Cuba, which closed its  airports in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Customers can book non-stop flights with Air Canada Vacations from Montreal to Cayo Coco operating on Fridays, and from Toronto to Cayo Coco on Saturdays starting on September 26th. 

HAVANA - Cuba will test all visitors for coronavirus when it reopens to international tourism, which will be limited at first to the beach resorts at the keys of the Caribbean’s largest island, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said.

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Unveiling cautious plans for lifting Cuba’s partial lockdown, Marrero Cruz said specialists would conduct epidemiological monitoring at hotels, where occupation would be limited. Excursions would be restricted to the keys.

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Visitors would not be able to visit Havana, the center of Cuba’s outbreak, at first.

In his presentation to the council of ministers, reported by state-run media, Marrero Cruz did not give a time frame for the reopening to tourism, one of the cash-strapped country’s top sources of hard currency.

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TORONTO — As the world begins to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more destinations are welcoming back visitors.

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Airlines, hotels, resorts and ground handlers have invested heavily in health and safety protocols and are eager to welcome travellers back.

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That said, the federal government’s advisory warning Canadians against non-essential travel to destinations outside of Canada is still in place. That’s an issue for getting travel insurance.

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Also, under current federal regulations it is mandatory that all Canadians returning to Canada self-isolate under quarantine for 14 days.

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Transat expects to gradually resume flights and tour operations as of 23JUL, 2020, subject to the lifting of travel restrictions.

Summer 2020 Schedule

Transat's summer flight schedule, planned for 23JUL to 31OCT, includes 22 destinations in Europe, the South, the United States and Canada. 

The company will also offer South and Europe packages and will gradually reopen travel agencies in its network starting 15JUN, 2020.