What it's like to travel during Covid 19
This past week marks my first official trip since the start of the pandemic. It included both a flight AND a passport stamp as I took the opportunity to spend a week down in Mexico -- one of the few countries allowing visitors from the U.S. to visit without restriction.
My goal is to share with you an honest account of my experience -- not to convince you that traveling right now is something you should be considering, or to make it seem like there is absolutely no risk involved -- but simply to help you see what it was like for me, and my own personal thoughts of my trip.
What it’s like to fly
We departed for Mexico over Labor Day weekend, and this certainly meant that there were more people flying than has been the norm lately.
Flying out of LAX was the least crazy I’ve ever experienced, and that was a nice bonus. Overall the airport had a lot more breathing room, and going through security was a relative breeze. Boarding was a lot less hectic, although most people didn’t seem to really give the required six feet between passengers. I did make sure I stood back from the person in front of me, but the person behind me didn’t give that same respect.
Our flight there on United Airlines was full (holiday weekend), but everyone had disinfectant wipes and mask wearing was enforced. I flew Alaska Airlines on the way home, and my experience in business class gave me more space, with nobody occupying the seat next to me. I only got to grab some snacks and was given wine in a small can, but it was better than nothing!
Customs was the easiest I’ve ever experienced at LAX as well.
Mexico as a destination
Mexico as a destination appealed to me for a lot of reasons. For one, I was really just looking to relax and enjoy a nice, peaceful week that allowed me to feel safe in my surroundings. As long as I had a beautiful hotel room, nice pool, and margaritas on deck I would be a happy gal.
This is exactly what I got.
It’s important to note that most Mexican hotels are operating at around a 30% capacity. This allows for there to be more than enough room to social distance in all areas of the resort. Restaurants are not crowded, there are plenty of loungers that are all appropriately distanced from each other, and you have ample space to move around and never feel like things are crowded.
Every resort does have their own protocols, but some things to note that I noticed at the properties I stayed at were the following:
-All staff wearing masks at ALL times.
-Cleaning was constant. All common places and seating areas were cleaned consistently throughout the day.
-Temperature checks done on arrival and sanitization mats at all entrances
-Sanitization seals on your door upon entry into your room
I had the opportunity to stay at two different resorts during this trip, and I enjoyed both of them very much. There are a ton of amazing resorts in Cabo, and the best option for you is going to be based on many factors, but I’d love to share what I loved about these properties in particular.
This resort instantly put me in a state of relaxation. I loved the overall zen feeling, the minimalist decor, and the desert chic aesthetic. If you are familiar with Nobu restaurants, you already know the treat you are in for. Besides the signature sushi restaurant, you also have Malibu Farms (owned by the same company), and an additional restaurant focusing on Mexican cuisine called Pacific. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our meals.
I love this resort for couples and possibly families as well, who are ok with a more chill experience with the kids.
This is a trendy and modern luxury resort that is incredibly striking. If you’re like me, you’ll be taking a ton of pictures from the moment you arrive of the white buildings contrasted with the reflective pools that surround El Nido -- or “the nest” in English. This is the signature restaurant that I tried on my first night and was very happy with.
I loved this resort for the ability to pair a Mexico beach escape with destination dining (my fave restaurant, Flora Farms, is just a short cab ride away), cool nightlife, and easy proximity to the town of San Jose del Cabo.
Traveling this past week has reminded me just how good for the soul travel truly is. It filled my own personal cup, and it also helped me recharge from a professional aspect as well.
Whether you are interested in traveling now or in the future, I’d love to hear from you. Mexico is currently a great option for Americans and there are different destinations to consider, as well as such a large choice of amazing luxury properties to choose from based on what you find most important.
If you have been considering a getaway, I wanted to pass along the opportunity to save now and travel later by securing a special rate and purchasing a voucher between now and September 30, 2020 at one of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach or Eden Roc Miami Beach for future travel until October 31, 2021.
I can definitely vouch for Nobu Los Cabos, because it is fabulous. I also have many clients that have enjoyed their all inclusive experience at UNICO 20˚87˚ in Riviera Maya if you do prefer an all inclusive stay! The Hard Rock properties are also great for families who are looking for an All Inclusive experience.
To get an idea of rates, here is what you could expect:
Nobu: 3 night stay starting at $999 for stays up until December 25th, 2020
UNICO 20˚87˚: 3 night stay starting at $1049 for stays up until December 25th, 2020 (note that this is an adults only All Inclusive property and this price is for 2 people)
Please reach out if you can see yourself enjoying this slice of paradise or any other!