Why I'm ready to start traveling again soon
If you’ve been following my COVID-19 antibody testing saga, you know that I took a Quest antibody test several weeks ago and it came back positive. I decided to get another test to confirm the results at a doctor’s office on Long Island, New York, and got a rapid pinprick test.
Frustratingly, it came back negative, sowing even more confusion.
I talked to my doctor and we tried to get the FDA-authorized Roche test, but he wasn’t able to prescribe it. I decided to try my luck at walking into a Quest testing facility near me in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, even though they didn’t have appointments available for a couple of weeks. It turned out you can register on an iPad at check-in for a walk-in test. They even let you wait in your car and text you when it’s your turn. I waited for about 20 minutes and, lo and behold, my results came back within 24 hours -- positive yet again for antibodies. So I’m pretty confident I’ve had COVID-19 and my immune system fought it off. Although I never had any of the traditional symptoms, I was exposed to the virus when I did an in-person podcast with Nomadic Matt on March 11, 2020. He ended up getting really sick a couple of days later and I had minor symptoms that week -- stomach issues and a scratchy throat -- but nothing major.
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So now what?
Even though we don’t yet know what it means to have the antibodies, I feel confident that with the right precautions, like wearing a mask and ideally flying in my own business class seat without a seatmate, I can start traveling again. It's possible that I could contract a different strain of the virus, but I have done a personal risk analysis and consulted my doctor. I felt differently a few weeks ago, but with more knowledge and a professional opinion, I'm OK with the risks associated with travel.
And the more you know, the more easily you can make an informed decision. Airplanes, for example, may seem like a petri dish for the growth of a virus, but if you clean your area and wear a mask, they may not be not as dangerous as you think. According to a new story in the Washington Post, “The ventilation system requirements for airplanes meet the levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use with COVID-19 patients in airborne infection isolation rooms.”
That said, the government, the airlines and cruise lines will need to do more to protect passengers and standardize safety procedures in the future.
Personally, I think that since I live in the NYC/Philadelphia area, one of the country’s major disease hotspots, my chances of coming in contact with the virus at home are greater than they would be in other, less populated areas in the world. Since I have the antibodies and will take any necessary tests before flying (and on arrival, which countries like Iceland require), there’s a lowered risk of being an asymptomatic spreader of the disease.
Until there is a vaccine or more information on antibodies, everyone is going to have to make their own personal risk assessment for everything they do in life, whether it is going to the grocery store or having dinner with friends. I think we should respect each other’s decisions, and refrain from travel shaming. For those who choose not to travel or are unable to, I fully respect that. If I were older with more risk factors and no antibodies, I would probably be doing the same.
I haven’t been on a flight since March 1, 2020, and have used this period to slow down. Like many people around the world, I have used the time to reflect and refocus on the things that are truly important in life. I’ve spent a lot of time with my parents with whom I’ve quarantined and focused on my health and sleep. In fact, staying put has allowed me to control my diet and workouts in a way that I can’t when I’m crisscrossing the globe. That being said, I’m definitely getting ready to travel now that the world is opening up, and I’ve already gotten and beaten COVID-19 without even knowing it.
Now the question is, where can I go?
Europe is essentially closed to Americans even though it’s starting to reopen. In the U.K. there’s an impending 14-day quarantine for visitors. Our TPG U.K. offices in London are closed for the foreseeable future; I’m not able to even go and meet with any of our employees.
One interesting option is Iceland, which is opening up by June 15, 2020. I visited in July 2014 and again in December 2018, and it’s magical at both times of the year. There’s a lot left to explore, so it’s definitely high on my list. Plus, nonstop flights are still operating from New York City on Icelandair.
Greece is in the process of reopening and may be open to foreign tourists beginning July 1, 2020, although a 14-day quarantine is currently mandatory upon arrival for all visitors and non-European Union residents are banned until at least June 1, 2020. We’ll have to see if those rules stay in place through the summer. In 2015, I wrote about how I wasn’t a fan of Mykonos, but now I miss the energy and vibe of the island. A toned-down, relaxed reopening might just bring back the charm it lost due to overtourism.
Read more: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery
Mexico will also be reopening soon, and there are lots of amazing places to visit in the United States. It might be the perfect time to take a road trip. One upside to that would be that I could bring my new Points Pup, Marshall.
I will be deciding this week where I’m going and I’ll be covering it all in the new weekly newsletter that I’ll be writing. I’ll also be including my insights on the travel industry and rounding up the most important travel news and offers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAJzXhSp8G_/
I really miss being on a plane, the idiosyncrasies of travel (ah, the smell of Auntie Anne’s pretzels in the terminal). And even though traveling this summer won’t be anything like what it was in the past, I believe that travel is an incredible way to bridge cultural differences and learn about the world. And that’s not to mention that tourism supports millions of jobs and lifts countless people out of poverty. Simply put, traveling and experiencing other cultures makes us better people and supports local economies in the process.
Read more: Why now may be the time to book future travel
It’s going to be a long road to recovery for the travel industry. But I look forward to doing my part and sharing my stories with all of you. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on when you feel it’s safe to travel, and what it will take for you to get on a plane or cruise ship again.
Are you ready to travel again? Please share in the comments below.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.