With only 5 weeks left in 2020, the holiday season has started luring travelers looking to swap snow for sand, and ice-y tropical drinks for the typical hand warmers, like mulled wine and hot chocolate. Although compared to 2019, airfares and hotel rooms aren’t sold out weeks in advance. Instead, sun seekers can relish in lower rates and availabilities while aiding the local economy—all the more reason to be a little more festive and joyful this season. As such, Caribbean destinations are actively appealing to those comfortable enough to travel with no quarantine restrictions in hopes of mimicking a typically busy holiday season. From proximity and non-stop flights to travel deals, here’s five Caribbean destinations without quarantine on arrival for a Christmas getaway.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda officially reopened to international visitors on June 4th.
Antigua’s shoreline is washed almost exclusively by the Caribbean Sea, and is hugged by 95 miles of superb coastline. Her sister island Barbuda, is surrounded by protective reefs, and features a large lagoon and Frigate Bird sanctuary. The islands are best-known for their friendly and welcoming people, pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the most satisfying and enjoyable climate in the world. Policies like mandatory face masks since April and contact tracing, combined with stringent airport measures, have kept Antigua’s cases low.
You will need to bring proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 7-days of arrival. Fly into Antigua from Miami in 3 hours, or from London in 9 hours.
Learn more about Antigua’s entry requirements here.
Belize
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- The Belize Barrier Reef. Photo © Duarte Dellarole
Having one foot in the Caribbean and one foot in Central America, Belize’s see-through shoals and intoxicating raft of culture and heritage make it a curious destination. Travelers can get in touch with their eco-warrior with a bounty of luxury jungle lodges or benefit from sun-kissed relaxation at exclusive private isles. Beside boasting the world’s second largest barrier reef at 195-miles long, Belize still remains an off-the-beaten-path option with one of the lowest population densities in the world. In an attempt to protect its small population of 400,000 while bringing back tourism to safeguard its economy, Belize has put in place some of the most restrictive visitor safety measures in the Caribbean. As such, Belize’s COVID-19 protocols have been hailed “one to emulate,” after being awarded by TripSavvy as a 2020 Industry Leader.
You will need to bring proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 3-days of departure. Or, opt for a rapid test on arrival inside the airport’s on-site health clinic. Fly into Belize from Los Angeles in 4.5 hours, from Miami in 2 hours, or from Toronto in 4.45 hours.
Learn more about Belize’s entry requirements here.
Jamaica
Bamboo Rafting down Jamaica’s Martha Brae River. Photo via Lovicarious
Jamaica has been a long-time favorite for vacation seekers, and during the pandemic, it’s no different. Jamaica has seen a great rebound of its tourism industry due to easy entry requirements for travelers. Whether it’s the beat of reggae or the searing smell of jerk over the fire, over 122,000 visitors have chosen Jamaica since their reopening in June. Most of the hotels, resorts, villas, guesthouses and apartments have reopened, giving vacationers the ability to plan exactly the kind of holiday they want to take. While tourists do have to stay within the tourism corridor, many attractions and tours are still operating.
You will need to bring proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 10 days of arrival (For high-risk countries, like USA). Fly into Jamaica from London in 9 hours or from Toronto in 5 hours.
Learn more about Jamiaca’s entry requirements here.
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia’s Sandals Resort. © Sandals
The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island of St. Lucia personifies adventure and inspiration. Guests typically look forward to volcanic mud baths of Soufrière; indulging in authentic island food; club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip; and riding ATVs through the countryside. St. Lucia hosts a variety of all-inclusive resorts, boutique-style villas, and luxury hotels, but only a handful are currently available for booking, as the island remains in phase one of its reopening. Not to mention, St. Lucia has maintained a low level CDC travel recommendation since its July opening, reporting only 226 cases and 2 deaths at time of writing.
You will need to bring proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 7 days of arrival. Fly into St. Lucia from eight major U.S. cities, or from London in 9 hours.
Learn more about St. Lucia’s entry requirements here.
Dominican Republic
The DR “has it all.” Photo via Michael Barón/Unsplash
Easy entry requirements, hotels with increased sanitation, and great flight availability make the Dominican Republic a convenient and simple choice for Christmas holidays. The Spanish-speaking nation is the second largest Caribbean country; the DR boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline and 250 miles of the world’s top beaches. Guests can explore DR’s lush landscapes, indulge in the thrill of merengue, and renew in ancient relics of centuries past.
In addition to no quarantine on arrival in this Caribbean nation, no PCR tests are currently required for entry into the Dominican Republic. Flights are available from almost every major U.S. airport.
Learn more about Dominican Republic’s entry requirements here.
Related: The Caribbean awaits: 25 destinations reopen borders
Although catching COVID on a flight is slimmer than a visit to a grocery store according to researchers, ease of access is a big contributing factor in traveling. Layovers have less appeal; no mandatory quarantine on arrival regardless of a negative test isn’t always ideal; and testing requirements to fit within a decent time frame for results to return. Of course, your decision to travel is your own. While Caribbean destinations are actively campaigning for a gradual return of tourism, be sure to check each country’s latest entry requirements and advisories. Nonetheless, the Caribbean awaits—with no quarantine on arrival.
