It may be the world’s second smallest continent, but that does not mean there is nothing to see in Europe. In contrast, there lie many tourist hotspots. From natural wonders like the majestic Swiss Alps to marvelous man-made spectacles like the Eiffel Tower, sightseers will never get to have their fill. There will always be more to see. Thus, visitors from other continents keep coming back. If they want to enjoy their vacations to the fullest, a journey across Europe is never a bad idea.
However, as you already know, the pandemic has changed and affected many things in the world. Containing and defeating the virus became the utmost priority. One of the industries that suffered the most is tourism. The lockdowns have kept people inside their own countries, and worse, in their own homes.
But, as time passed and progress was made, the world slowly opened up again. People are allowed to go out for recreational purposes once more, so long as they follow safety protocols. And speaking of safety, people are now more inclined to charter private jets for their travels. You can avoid crowded places through private flights, so it is understandable why this is now the case.
Unfortunately, not because people can fly again does not mean they can go to places they want. For instance, Europe closed its doors to travelers from other countries like the US.
Recap on Europe’s Ban on US Travelers
As stated above, at the start of the pandemic, most countries around the world prevented outsiders from entering their borders. Of course, that hurt their economic gain, but safety took precedence over dollars. Thankfully, things got a little better, and they have opened the gates once again. But, most are selective on who they allow to enter.
For instance, the European Union started accepting tourists at the beginning of July last year. However, residents of the United States are not among those who they welcomed. When they first barred their doors, the US had 2.7 million cases of virus infection. And when they “opened” again, the situation in the US has only gotten worse. Given this, it is crystal clear why they made this decision. The high risk is not something any country would want to take.
Because of this, European Travel Commission records showed that only 6.6 million Americans visited Europe last year. That is a massive decrease from more than 36 million in 2019.
Europe Welcomes Back Tourists From The US
Admittedly, the United States is still the leading country in COVID-19 cases. But things are a little better now. That is thanks to the vaccines being rolled out. Also, people are not getting used to the “new normal.”
With that said, Europe is gradually reopening to US travelers who wish to spend their vacations in the continent. The first ones to do so are Denmark, Spain, and France, which opened on June 5, 7, and 9, respectively. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden followed suit a few weeks later. Then on July 19, Ireland opened to US tourists too.
But keep in mind that not everyone can enter. There are special conditions. Guests from the US have to provide proof that they got vaccinated, a negative coronavirus test result, or both. If you got that covered, now is the time to book a commercial or private flight to European countries.
But bear in mind that the rules are inconsistent. Each country has a different set of rules, and they change it so frequently. Thus, travelers should come fully prepared. They must have a clear plan on what to do, starting from choosing their destination to their trip back to the US.
Stefan Hellmuth, Europe destination manager for Intrepid Travel, says this may prove challenging. First, there is uncertainty about future last-minute changes to regulations and borders. Then there is limited availability and unexpected closures of some places.
Still, Hellmuth says this should not discourage travelers from visiting Europe, especially since it helps many people. It allows travelers to enjoy the things that Europe can offer. At the same time, it helps the communities that rely on tourism recover from the damage the coronavirus had caused them.
The aforementioned communities’ excitement for the return of American tourists is palpable. The story of Scott Cheap Flights founder Scott Keyes and his wife when they visited Madrid highlighted that. The couple had signed up for a tour of an orange grove estate. To get there, they must embark on a short train ride. But they did not need to do that because the guide picked them up at their hotel.
How To Make The Most Out Of Your Visit
The entry requirements and safety protocols vary by country. Consequently, travelers may find some more ideal destinations over the other. But, to make a decision, they must be aware of the rules of each country.
Some countries would require visitors to undergo quarantine for ten days, regardless if they got vaccinated or not. In Malta, Americans who wish to enter must upload their medical information and documents in the VeriFLy app. These are just a few examples.
Since each country has its own rules and requirements, it would be best to stick to one destination. Going on a grand tour where you would bounce to different countries is highly discouraged. It will cause you lots of inconveniences that could ruin your vacation. First and foremost, you would be forced to research the rules and regulations implemented in the different countries. And that is not the end of that. Again, they tend to change the protocols so frequently, meaning you should always look for updates. For a trip where your goal is to relax, that could be too much.
Now, if you fly in and out of a single country, you are dealing with, and only with, that country’s reality. Europe travel expert Rick Steves and Hellmuth agree on this.
While you can try to visit all the places you want in one go, it would not be easy today. But Europe is not going anywhere. You can continue your European adventures in the future. For now, you should do what is best – and that is to choose which one you want to visit the most.
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