International travel during COVID definitely came with its fair share of stresses. However, I can say without a doubt that all the stress of getting to the sandals resort in Saint Lucia was well worth it.
Our week in Saint Lucia allowed us to step away from the pandemic and all felt right in the world again. We walked the beach without masks, ate gourmet meals without getting take out, and the realities of the world set like the sun.
While the COVID protocols are fluid and will change often, this is what we experienced in September 2020.
We needed a negative COVID test that were taken within 7 days prior to entering Saint Lucia. This short window, along with limited testing options in our area, was a headache in itself. We overcame it by using at-home kits from Pixel (by Labcorp) and Everlywell. We took the tests exactly 7 days before arrival and followed their instructions to mail them the same day they were taken. We were pleasantly surprised with the quick turnaround from both companies, as we received our tests day within 4 days! We didn’t need to do tests from two separate companies, but choose to due to concerns of turnaround.
If negative results are needed the next time we travel internationally, I wouldn’t worry about two separate tests. Not only does taking two tests bog down the testing system, it also increases your cost. Pixel was covered by our insurance, but Everlywell was an out-of-pocket expense, $109 per test.
In addition to the negative COVID results, you also had to get government approval to enter the country. This was done by completing an online travel authorization form. You then received an email approval that had to be printed as several officials asked to review this form before one was allowed to enter customs.
When we traveled, there were regulations stating you had to stay at approved facilities and agreed to not leave the resort. This was part of the agreement to visit St Lucia to keep the locals safe and COVID free.
There was a health screening process everyone had to go through upon arrival, prior to the usual customs process, starting with a temperature check as soon as you exited the plane. Hand sanitizer was distributed so often I lost count how many times we were asked to apply before we even got to our transfer to the resort! We were asked to fill out a questionnaire about our activities before the flight, including profession and who we had been around in the last two weeks. We had to show negative COVID results, the approval to enter the country and then another temperature check. Many individuals received another COVID test at this screening.
Once this screening was over you were allowed to proceed to customs like normal international travel. But, again with every interaction, you were asked to “sanitize” (meaning apply hand sanitizer).
I was pleasantly surprised how St Lucia handled the Pandemic of COVID. Truthfully, I felt safer in St Lucia than in my home state, and not just because everyone at the resort had a negative COVID test but because the protocols in place on the island. They were diligent in social distancing, asked everyone to sanitize (every time they saw you) and all the Sandals staff were always with a mask (and sometimes additional face shield too depending their position).
We booked two other international vacations with Sandals while in St Lucia, because even with the uncertainty of COVID, we felt confident in Sandals Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness.
If you are thinking about international travel during these times, I suggest to fully research the facility you are thinking about staying with. Ensure the brand has a reputation of excellence and committed to guest safety (and not just profit). If you have any reservation about the resort in question, do not book with them.
I also highly suggest having back up plans in place for different possible situations. What happens if you DO test positive and cannot travel? You need to recognize the financial implications of not being able to travel to a vacation you have already paid for. What is your plan if you get COVID while out of the country? Do you know what your insurance covers, and do you have access to cash or credit to pay for treatment up front? What happens if America also requires a negative COVID test to return to the county after your vacation? How will you ensure you can get the test taken out of county if requirements change while your abroad?
While I am not trying to discourage you from traveling, I do think the responsible thing to do is think through all possible scenarios so you are prepared. Then, you can fully enjoy your travels and intentionally embrace all the reasons you booked the trip in the first place.
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