Casa Molle - home to Pisco and lunches in the sunshine with friends
Photo courtesy of Casa Molle, Chile

Dear Friends and Travellers,

Finally there are millions of sore arms and proud announcements of our age – we have never been quite so keen to be old! It does seem that “Vaccinate to Vacation” might be the new mantra. We are getting multiple announcements daily from suppliers and regions with policy updates on entry requirements.

Vaccine Passports

It looks more and more likely that some sort of "Vaccine Passport" will become part of our digital travel wallet – perhaps replacing the old “yellow card” which used to nestle in right beside our passports. Many countries are dropping the need for PCR tests and quarantine on arrival for people who are fully vaccinated. Of course you can still enter with the PCR negative test but things are getting easier if you are vaccinated:

Iceland – On March 15, announced that everyone who is fully vaccinated can enter Iceland within a few weeks (those not vaccinated will be able to enter with a PCR negative). In addition airlines are ramping up frequency of flights to Iceland for the spring and summer.
Greece – Announced they will reopen to international travellers on May 14, 2021 and those fully vaccinated will have unrestricted entry. Others will be allowed in with PCR negative test.

The Island of Paros - quintessential Greece
Photo courtesy of Travelive

Croatia and Montenegro - It is anticipated that by late April fully vaccinated travellers will be welcomed with no further testing required whilst others will require negative tests presented on arrival.
Europe – On March 17, in an effort to salvage the 2021 summer season, the EU confirmed they are pushing ahead with a digital vaccine certificate to kick-start foreign travel.
Belize – Visitors can enter 14 days after being fully vaccinated or with a negative PCR test prior on arrival.
Costa Rica - One of the greatest outdoor adventure playgrounds Costa Rica has been open since the fall with rigorous testing, contact tracing and mandatory medical insurance for visitors. There is availability for December 2021.
Ecuador & The Galapagos – As of March 22, vaccinated travellers to Ecuador's mainland can enter with COVID-19 vaccine card. For younger travellers a PCR test done 3 days prior to arrival will be required. Galapagos Islands still require a negative PCR test for entry.
Peru - The quarantine requirement was lifted on March 15. You still need a negative PCR test for entry but then are free to travel throughout the country. Most major archaeological sites, including Machu Picchu, are open as are restaurants and hotels.
Chile & Argentina are coming to the end of their "season" but come September will be in excellent form to fully re-open. Happily 35% of Chileans are vaccinated to date with a target of 80% by June. Argentina closed in March 2020 but are optimistic to reopen by September The beautiful wild places in Patagonia will be open for the 2021 season and even for the December holidays – which happens to be the best time to go.
New Zealand – Announced that they will open borders when 70% of population is vaccinated – which they hope to achieve by the end of October ... which also happens to be the start of their season.
Bhutan - the beautiful Kingdom in the Himalayas embarked last week on a campaign to vaccinate the entire eligible population.
Thailand - as of July 1 vaccinated travellers will be able to enter the island of Phuket with other destinations to follow.
City of New York - has launched a digital platform to track negative PCR tests and vaccines. The Excelsior Pass will allow entry to public venues such as stadiums, arenas and venues with social gathering limits. Madison Square Gardens has signed on.

Confused with all this entry information? We are monitoring and have direct access to people on the ground in-country for the most up to date information to help you plan your travel.

Cirqa Hotel - an 11-room Relais & Chateaux gem set in a monastery dating back to 1583, located in Arequipa, Peru.
Photo courtesy of Cirqa Hotel

Travel This Year

*Photo courtesy of Setari Camp, Botswana*

Vaccinated and want to get away? We can help navigate a short notice getaway. There will be unique opportunities for last minute travel in 2021 based on feedback from our partners in the last week or two:

Consider that the European cruise season for 2021 is massively curtailed and delayed. What does this mean? If you can get to places like Santorini, Mykonos, Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Venice you will find destinations untrampled by swaths of cruise passengers – a massive incentive to visit in 2021!
Do not imagine for a minute you are going to arrive to dusty, moth-balled digs. War chests have been plundered and reserves spent on upgrades and rebuilds in anticipation of the return of visitors.
In many countries there are multitudes of “long-stay” savings and incentives such as free flights between destinations, pay for 3 but stay 4 nights, heavily discounted children's rates, etc.
We have access to rates which are 50%+ less than normal for last minute arrivals in South Africa (booking within four weeks of travel).
Some of our favorite camps in Zimbabwe and Botswana are offering free stays for children under 16 and have waived all single supplement fees for the remainder of 2021 right up to December 31, 2021.
There is space for December 2021 and early January 2022 – properties and boats that are normally sold out a year or more in advance still have some openings.

The "Baobab Treehouse" high above the waters of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Photo courtesy of Xigera Lodge, Botswana

What we are up to and travel in 2022

We have participated in virtual trade shows with our partners all over the world in the past few months. What we have learned is that rather than despondency, many stakeholders have taken advantage of this time to refurbish, upgrade and expand their offerings. There are a multitude of new hotels, new lodges and new adventures. The resilience and creativity of property owners is inspiring - we are spoiled for choice in our trip planning.

We are working on trips to Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia for 2022.
If you are able to plan ahead for 2022 and can book by the end of April we can secure trips at 2020 rates (so essentially two-year old rates).
Cancellation terms for the possible return of restrictions due to COVID are generous.

Places We Love

**Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe**
#1 - 100% Vaccinated Global Tourism Hotspot - Victoria Falls, *Image by Albrecht Fietz, Pixabay*

When faced with cancellation and postponement figures of 85% by July 2020 and a meagre 6% of tourism employees still working the people of Victoria Falls “made a plan” (as Zimbabweans are prone to do). By March 27, the majority of hotels, lodges and other hospitality providers will have been vaccinated. In addition, the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit who have worked tirelessly to protect the wildlife are now protected themselves. Victoria Falls is winning the race to be the first 100% vaccinated tourism hotspot on the planet.

If 2020 taught us anything, it is that we cannot take time with family or friends for granted. Birthday celebrations, graduation trips, family reunions, weddings, seeing friends - all abruptly halted and cancelled. Now it is all becoming possible again so let's catch up with each other and have some fun. Let’s make someone spoil you and show you their beautiful little piece of the world.

Sending best regards from all of us at Askari Travel,

Muriel

Ready When You Are

Vaccine Passports

Travel This Year

Restart and Reconnect This Summer

Human Connection & Dreams