covid-19 Archives

Israel has finally dropped mandatory PCR testing for travellers

May 9, 2022

Israel’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that Israel is dropping its final COVID-19 curbs by removing on-arrival PCR tests.

Under the new guidelines agreed by the Ministry of Health and the Airports Authority, passengers landing at Ben Gurion airport from May 20 will no longer be required to perform a PCR test.

The news was announced via a statement on Israel’s Ministry of Health’s Twitter, which when translated from Hebrew to English, reads as such: “Passengers landing at Ben Gurion Airport starting on May 20, 2002 will no longer be required to perform a PCR test.

The decision was made in light of the decline in morbidity data and at the end of discussions that took place between the professionals in the Ministry of Health and the staff of the Airports Authority.

It was agreed that the professionals would formulate a mechanism for maintaining the suitability of the testing system at Ben Gurion Airport, in order to enable it to be operated quickly, in full or in part when necessary.”

The Tweet is linked here for reference: https://twitter.com/IsraelMOH/status/1523230785893183488

Further to this, the Ministry of Health also confirmed that starting this Tuesday (May 10) foreigners flying to Israel will now be allowed to take an antigen test before boarding the plane instead of a PCR test.

Any passenger who chooses the antigen option will be required to perform the test in the 24 hours prior to their departure to Israel.

The announcements come following the ongoing decline in morbidity data and number of COVID-19 cases and are the latest developments by Israel to ease the entry process since relaxing vaccination entry requirements in February earlier this year.

Israel’s Minister of Tourism Yoel Ravozov tweeted his support of the news stating that he was “glad” that Corona tests for all those entering Israel will be stopped.

Now, until May 20, travellers will still have to pre-book and undergo the original testing protocols upon arrival in Israel.

You no longer need a pre-arrival COVID test to go to Fiji

May 2, 2022

As of May 1, fully vaccinated visitors flying into Fiji will no longer be required to produce a COVID-19 pre-departure PCR or Rapid Antigen Test.

The Fijian government said that the change applies to all international visitors entering Fiji by air or sea and is a move that is in line with best practice entry requirements among highly vaccinated communities. It will save costs for travellers and make traveling to the Pacific Island destination that much easier.

From Sun., May 1, all visitors aged 16 years and above must be fully vaccinated. This change comes as more children globally have access to vaccinations and are to support not only international travellers but Fiji’s local communities.

In addition, as of May 1, all international travellers entering Fiji will now only need to observe the following entry requirements:

Be fully vaccinated if you are 16 years old and above with a Fiji recognized dose
Book an in-country COVID-19 RAT prior to departure to Fiji. The test must be completed within 48 – 72 hours of arrival in Fiji. These can be booked at www.entrytestfiji.com
Have trusted travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage

Brent Hill, Tourism Fiji CEO said: “This is yet another significant step for Fiji, making it easier than ever to travel to our idyllic shores from around the globe. The Fijian Government has continued to respond to data and science, and moved quickly to make these changes, as more countries around the world also relaxed their protocols. There has never been a better, simpler time to come to Fiji than now.”

Fiji has welcomed more than 100,000 international visitors since its borders opened up back in December 2021. As Fiji continues to update and simplify entry requirements, travelers from around the globe will be able to enjoy a famous Fiji holiday and experience everything the country is known for.

Go to www.fiji.travel for more.

Travellers to Jamaica no longer need a pre-COVID test

April 22, 2022

Effective April 16, 2022, international visitors to Jamaica will no longer be required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 Antigen or PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel to enter the island. Additionally, Jamaica’s mandate to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces will also end on April 15, 2022.

“Eliminating mask mandates and the need for travellers to present a negative COVID test result are important strides toward our continued gradual relaxation of travel protocols as the spread of COVID-19 keeps declining,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “We are optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as a premier destination and keep us moving along the road to a stronger recovery for both the tourism sector and the nation’s economy as a whole.”

All other public health measures remain in place, including the requirement for public establishments to provide hand-washing stations or hand sanitizing equipment for anyone entering the premises. Visitors and residents are also encouraged to continue to exercise caution and observe best practices for health and safety.

Jamaica has recently eliminated travel-related quarantines and the requirement for travellers to complete and receive approval of a Travel Authorization Form for entry to the island. It also shortened the isolation period required for travellers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Jamaica, in keeping with CDC recommended guidelines, and eliminated quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated business travellers who present a negative PCR test taken within 3 days of travel to Jamaica.

“As we review our Jamaica CARES program and travel protocols regularly, taking these actions was the logical next step to keep Jamaica aligned with best practices globally,” noted Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “Many destinations in the Caribbean region and around the world have been easing travel requirements, so this change will help us ensure that Jamaica retains its leadership position among the world’s top tourism destinations.”

Just last week, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) downgraded Jamaica to a Level 1 designation in its latest COVID-19 travel advisory to citizens due to the country having low cases of the virus. Joining just a handful of countries around the world at Level 1, Jamaica’s case levels have steadily decreased in recent months.

The health and safety of every Jamaican and every visitor to the country remains the island’s top priority through its comprehensive Jamaica CARES program. Jamaica CARES is a nationwide response to COVID-19 that includes the island’s comprehensive health and safety protocols which were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels recognition and allowed the island to safely reopen in June of 2020.

For more information about Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com.

After two long years, Australia is finally opening its borders for tourism again

February 18, 2022

Australia will begin welcoming the return of tourists, business travellers and other visitors who are fully vaccinated visa holders as of Feb. 21, 2022.

In a joint statement, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP and the Hon. Dan Tehan MP indicated that “these changes will ensure we protect the health of Australians, while we continue to secure our economic recovery.”

They pointed out that Australia’s health system has demonstrated its resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including though the recent Omicron wave. With improving health conditions, including a recent 23% decline in hospitalizations due to COVID, the National Security Committee of Cabinet today agreed Australia is ready to further progress the staged reopening of our international border.

Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia, and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.

They also noted that the Feb. 7, 2022 announcement “will give certainty to our vital tourism industry, and allow them to start planning, hiring and preparing for our reopening. In 2018-19, tourism generated more than $60 billion for the Australian economy, with more than 660,000 jobs dependent on the industry.

Since the Morrison Government commenced Australia’s staged international border reopening on 1 November 2021 we have seen almost 580,000 arrivals come to Australia including to reunite with loved ones, work or study.”

Earlier this month, New Zealand announced that it will be reopening its borders using a five-step plan that will see it fully open by October of 2022.

This study shows that most Canadians are willing to spend money on a rapid antigen test

February 7, 2022

According to Finder.com, about three in ten (29%), or 9 million Canadians say they either have bought, or are planning to buy a COVID-19 rapid antigen test.

Finder.com asked Canadians what they would spend on a rapid test and just 3 in 10 Canadians would spend any amount at all. The majority (just over 9 million Canadians) would pay $5 to $25 on a single antigen test — generally standard pricing.

Surprisingly, over a million of them would spend $100 or more on a test — That’s approximately 500% more than the standard price for a single at-home test (about $15).

However, the reasons for buying a test varied. Approximately 2.3 million Canadians who have bought rapid antigen tests did so because they like the instant results (3%), or for peace of mind (4%).

Approximately one million Canadians (3%) say they would take a test but not buy one themselves, citing cost as a real barrier, saying ‘the tests are too expensive’.

Interestingly, there was a bit of a gender divide in the findings.

Women were more likely to say they would use a rapid antigen test (31% vs 27% in men) but were also more likely to say tests are too expensive (4% vs 3% in men).

While women are more likely to buy antigen tests overall than men (33% vs 28%) — particularly at the lower price points — each gender is equally as likely to spend $100 or more on a test (3% each).

What’s more, age was also a factor with approximately 3 in 10 younger Canadians aged (18 – 34) saying they don’t need a rapid antigen test versus just 2 in 10 seniors aged 65+.

When it comes to spend, millennials, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are willing to spend the most on a rapid antigen test, with 5% saying they would spend $100 or more (2 percentage point higher than the national average).

For more information, go to https://www.finder.com/ca/covid-19-testing

Here’s a list of all the places Canadians can travel to without a COVID test

January 10, 2022

For the better half of 2021, Canadians faced severe travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain measures, like the mandatory three-day quarantine upon re-entry to Canada, have been lifted, severe restrictions remain in place.

Many countries now require a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or both, to enter. Effective October 30, 2021, the government of Canada enacted a mandatory vaccination requirement for travel within and to depart Canada, which remains in place for all Canadians, with only some exceptions to the rule.

For those who are seeking an escape to a destination that has not yet mandated proof of a negative PCR test, here are five places to consider.

Mexico

Mexico requires a tourist card from any visitors to the country, but this is a practice that began well before the pandemic. Other than this documentation, there are no additional COVID-19 documents required for your stay, and testing and quarantine upon arrival is not mandatory. Typically, the airline you’re flying on will hand out the tourist card (often referred to as the immigration form) and you can fill it out prior to landing. Once you’ve landed, simply show the card to the customs officer along with your passport. Make sure you keep your tourist card safe and secure for the duration of your stay–a lost tourist card will result in a fine, and could cause problems during your departure from the country.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Mexico, click here.

Colombia

International travellers, including Canadians, are not required to submit a negative PCR test to gain entry to Colombia. However, you must fill out the mandatory Check-Mig registration form at least 24 hours prior to your flight. Face masks and additional health and safety measures remain in place throughout the country, and visitors are expected to follow all health and safety guidelines during their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Colombia, click here.

Costa Rica

The Government of Costa Rica does not require tourists entering by air, land or sea to present a negative COVID-19 test, nor quarantine upon arrival. However, all tourists are expected to abide by health and safety guidelines that have been put in place. All visitors must complete the digital form called Health Pass which can be accessed here. Vaccinated tourists must also attach their vaccination certificate to the Health Pass, and are required to provide proof of travel insurance with coverage for a minimum of five days during the duration of their stay.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Costa Rica, click here.

Cuba

Like Mexico, Cuba has a mandatory tourist card that’s required for entry and is handed out by the airline. A negative PCR test is not required for vaccinated travellers, and all Health Canada approved vaccines and mixed vaccines are accepted. Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test. Upon departure from Cuba, Canadians can pay a fee of $30 USD to receive the mandatory PCR test that is required to re-enter Canada.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to Cuba, click here.

Dominican Republic

Canadians are among the list of countries who do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to the Dominican Republic. However, random aleatory breath testing is in place upon arrival at select ports, which could apply to Canadians who are exempt from Canada’s vaccination rule. While proof of vaccination is not checked by officials upon arrival, those who wish to leave designated hotels and resorts affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism must show proof of complete vaccination (two valid doses) to enter bars, restaurants, and other facilities on the island.

For the most up-to-date information on entry to the Dominican Republic, click here.

Where to work remotely this winter

November 12, 2021

It’s been just over a year since Canada entered an economic shutdown that saw a majority of businesses transition their employees from an in-office, five-day work week to a remote work-from-home culture. According to Statistics Canada, at the beginning of 2021, 32 per cent of Canadian employees aged 15 to 69 worked most of their hours from home, compared with just four per cent back in 2016, and the number continues to increase.

While some employees are eager to swap their sweatpants for slacks and their slippers for heels once more, studies show that working from home has more benefits than disadvantages. These benefits include increased productivity, reported feelings of enhanced overall wellbeing and mental health, and financial savings, as daily spending on things like commuting costs, food and drink, and business attire have been eliminated. In fact, large proportions of individuals have reported accomplishing more work per hour (48 per cent), which can be due in part to less in-office distractions like chatty coworkers, meetings, or other interruptions. As a result, more employers are seeing the value in keeping their employees home, integrating various communication channels to adjust to the new normal. Remote work has also seen a rise in “work-from-anywhere” culture, so long as the employee has a stable internet connection and can
communicate with the employer. In anticipation of another year of remote work culture, here are four properties in the U.S. and Canada to consider for 2022.

Story by Christine Hogg

Four Places in North America to Check In When You're Feeling Checked Out

CLUB MED CHARLEVOIX

Quebec, Canada

Opening Dec. 3, 2021, Club Med Charlevoix will be Canada’s first-ever all-inclusive, all-season resort. Set on the St. Lawrence River in the Quebec wilderness, approximately an hour’s drive from the heart of Quebec City, Club Med Charlevoix is a 302-room resort that was designed to reflect the local landscape.

There are several cozy room categories to choose from, but the Exclusive Collection Suites offer the perfect work-from-home set-up, with a beautiful spacious living room, an oversized bathroom, and breathtaking views of the St.Lawrence River. Guests of the suites also have access to the premium Exclusive Collection Space “Le Saint-Laurent” that includes concierge service and a cozy welcome lounge with a fireplace, which is another perfect spot to get some work done. As an all-inclusive resort, guests of Club Med Quebec Charlevoix can enjoy perks like an in-room mini-bar that’s restocked daily, free unlimited high speed Wi-Fi throughout the resort, all-day gourmet dining and bar options, and more. When the work day is done, unwind with a dip in the heated pool, take a trip to the sauna that offers a panoramic river view, or take advantage of one of many included activities, like ice skating or snow-shoeing through the woods.

Rates for Club Med Quebec Charlevoix start as low as $210 per adult per night. The nearest airport is Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
(clubmed.ca/r/quebec-charlevoix/w)

GRADUATE ROOSEVELT ISLAND

New York, NY

Looking for a different kind of island escape this winter? The Graduate Roosevelt Island is a colourful, scholastic retreat in the middle of the East River on the Cornell Tech Campus. In the lobby, guests are greeted by 5,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, which are the ultimate setting and inspiration to get to work.

There are four room categories available, including two suite classes. Each room is done in contemporary style, and comes equipped with a writing desk and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel’s largest suite, the Presidential, can be found on the seventeenth floor and includes a spacious living room with floor to ceiling views of the Queensboro Bridge. For those who intend to stay a while, other amenities include a full-sized fridge and dining room table, which makes cooking an option. There are three restaurants on site, including a coffee cart that offers the perfect pick-me-up for in between those morning meetings. Recognizing that many travel with their pets, the Graduate also offers a special Pup Package– during your stay, your room will include a bed, bowl, and treats for your furry companion, and you’ll both have access to the dog runs on the island.

The Graduate Roosevelt Island is easily accessible by taking the F Train, the Roosevelt Island Tramway, the NYC ferry, or by car – from Toronto, it’s about an eight-hour drive. Alternatively, guests can fly from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) aboard Porter Airlines, and get to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in an hour-and-a-half. The Graduate Roosevelt Island is then an hour away by car or public transit.
(graduatehotels.com/roosevelt-island/hotel/)

POINTE HILTON TAPATIO CLIFFS RESORT

Phoenix, AZ

For those who want the added perk of escaping the cold Canadian winter while continuing to work remotely, the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is the perfect solution. Conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix and 20 minutes from Sky Harbour International Airport, this desert oasis is a 584-all-suite resort that doubles as a stand-out golf and wellness retreat. All of the spacious two-room suites include wired and wireless internet access, a separate living area with a desk and chair, a private balcony (which doubles as a nice spot to work outside), and dual line telephones with data ports.

Sneak in a round of 18-hole golf on your lunch break (we won’t tell your boss!) at the resort’s award-winning Lookout Mountain Golf Course, with the Sonoran desert and towering Phoenix North Mountains as a backdrop. There are four restaurants on site, including fine dining options. There are also a selection of grab-and-go options for coffee and a light breakfast. An ideal home away from home for Canadians this winter, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort also has a number of discounted packages available that offer great perks for extended stays, including daily complimentary dining vouchers.
(tapatiocliffshilton.com)

THE JOSIE

Rossland, BC

Luxury boutique hotel The Josie recently became a part of Marriott International’s exclusive Autograph Collection Hotels portfolio. The perfect retreat for both relaxation and inspiration, The Josie is an upscale ski-in/ski-out 106-room property that sits at the base of RED Mountain Resort, an independent, 3,850-acre winter and summer playground, ranked ninth largest in skiable acres in North America. The remote location of the hotel in Rossland, BC provides a sense of escape from everyday 9 to 5 responsibilities.

With a collection of stylish guest rooms and suites designed to bring the outdoors in, alongside crackling fire pits, a premier spa and fitness facility, and ski concierge services, The Josie offers the ultimate work-from-home away from home experience. All of the beautifully-appointed rooms offer a functional workspace complete with a table and chair. For guests who prefer to work outside of their rooms, the downstairs lobby is outfitted with plush leather couches and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the resort year-round. The Josie is located 35 minutes away from the West Kootenay Regional Airport, which is served by Air Canada/Jazz. An airport shuttle bus service, Mountain Shuttle, operates daily between Castlegar and Rossland.
(www.thejosie.com)

THE BEST OF “Bubble Travel”

July 8, 2021

QUESTION:

What’s better than spending time with your family-and-friend bubble in Muskoka?

ANSWER:

Taking the Holiday of a lifetime with your bubble to that bucket-list destination you have always dreamed about!

The term “bubble travel,” referring to travellers who want the safety and security of travelling within their own trusted circle of family and friends, may have emerged from pandemic life, but Goway Travel, one of North America’s most experienced travel companies, has been specializing in private guided journeys, personalized vacations, and tailor-made tours to exotic destinations for more than 50 years.

“My best ever vacations have been with our family and close friends,” says Bruce Hodge, founder and president of Goway Travel. “When our children were teenagers, we did a private-guided, personalized safari with friends – just us, our two families – in Botswana. It was magical. Then there was the private villa in Tuscany, the jungles of Ecuador combined with a Galapagos cruise, and a river cruise in Myanmar where we were swarmed by locusts one evening. Just a few of the wonderful places and interesting experiences we have been fortunate to share with family and friends.”

After more than a year of lockdown and with an end to travel restrictions in sight, isn’t it time to start planning your ultimate pandemic payback trip? Well, when you’re ready to travel again, Goway is ready to help. Contact your favourite travel professional or a Destination Specialist at Goway (1-800-387-8850 or [email protected]) and be sure to mention “Muskoka challenge.”

GET INSPIRED

Looking for a little inspiration? Visit goway.com for a list of all the world-wide destinations Goway offers. In the meantime, here are a few of our top travel ideas to whet your appetite for travel:

DESTINATIONS TO BRAG ABOUT

Like Easter Island, Chile; Papua New Guinea; Arnhemland, Australia; Komodo Island, Indonesia; and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.

ULTIMATE ISLANDS ESCAPES

To Tahiti, the Maldives, Bali, or the Greek islands.

BOUTIQUE & PRIVATE CRUISING

In the Fiji islands, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, or the Galapagos Islands.

PRIVATE LUXURY SAFARIS

In east and southern Africa, in Australia’s Outback, or across India.

DIFFERENT RIVER CRUISES

On the Amazon, Mekong, and River Nile by Dahabiya.

LUXURY & UNIQUE TRAIN JOURNEYS

On the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Eastern & Oriental Express, Tsar’s Gold Trans Siberia, Pride of Africa, and the Indian Pacific.