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With the ever-changing guidelines and rules around COVID-19, it can be incredibly confusing and expensive to take a trip right now. I buried myself in CDC documentation, forums and airline sites to make sure I had exactly what I needed to return to the USA after our trip to the Dominican Republic, and Max and I filmed our experience getting COVID tested to share what it was like for you all. Didn’t see it? Check it out, here!

I wanted to sum up the top 5 questions for our travelers to help you make informed decisions about what you need to do to get back home safely.

For reference, the most accurate and up to date information is found here.

The fancy name for the approved tests are: “antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), and transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)”

What this actually means for you is that you will likely have two main options, the Rapid Antigen test or the RT-PCR test. These are the two MOST common tests that you will find. They are similar in that they both do a deep nasal swab (sometimes throat swab for the Antigen), but the Antigen test is much quicker and uses a completely different method of detection. The RT-PCR is considered the most accurate test at this time because it involves a process of heating and cooling the specimen and replicating it in order to accurately read the result. The RT-PCR is the notoriously difficult, expensive and time-consuming test to get. The Antigen test is much simpler and uses a strip, sort of like a pregnancy test, to confirm the result.

Max and I took an Antigen test (as you can see in the video) and our documentation stated: “ANTIGEN” + “NEGATIVE” on the doctor’s letterhead. This was all that was needed to enter the US.

The US also allows for “proof of recovery”. Proof of recovery can be, for lack of a better word, proved by showing a positive antibody test as well as a doctor’s note confirming that you recovered from COVID-19.

We received our results via Whatsapp in the form of a PDF and that is all we needed to show at the airline check in counter. I gave my phone to the agent who reviewed the document and confirmed we were good to go.

There are a few ways to find a testing center, depending on where you are. Your airline, like United or Delta, offer fairly comprehensive options for certain destinations like Hawaii. But, if you’re not headed to Hawaii, reaching out to the embassy or consulate is a great option.

Max and I found a local Facebook group for our town, Cabarete. It happens to be a flourishing expat community so we were able to find a local doctors office very quickly. Our recommendation here is if you are staying at an airbnb or home, google local clinics or doctors and start calling around. Chances are they, or someone they know, will offer COVID testing for travel.

Many hotels around the world, particularly in the Caribbean and Mexico, are also offering free, or paid, COVID antigen tests on site for their guests. Brands like Le Blanc, Hyatt etc are providing free tests for guests before departure. This is a GREAT option for guests traveling during this time. Be sure to check the hotel website before booking to ensure this option is available to you. Typically, these brands have a banner across their homepage that details their COVID policies and options for guests.

Here are some of our favorite hotels that offer FREE antigen testing:

The Master List by Forbes is found here.

The COVID test results can be digital OR printed. We did not have access to a printer and simply brought the PDF of our test on our phone to show to the airline. According to the CDC website, both options are fine.

Things to keep in mind are that the results must be “formal” – do not expect a text message from a doctor to fly. Be sure the clinic or doctor provides you with a written document that lists the name of the facility, the doctor, the date AND time of the test sample as well as the results clearly. This is VERY important. If the airline cannot identify what the result or date is easily, you risk them turning you away for not following the rules.

According to the US, they use the designation 3 days, NOT 72 hours to give more flexibility to the traveler. The time stamp is not as important as the actual date, so be sure that is clearly stated.

The test result verification process occurs at check in for your flight. We had two layovers in JFK and LAX and our test result was checked on our first leg flying to the USA. If you are flying through another country, be sure to keep your results handy before you board your flight to the US as they may ask again.

Our best practice is to be sure you keep your test results on you until you get to your final destination in the event that someone asks you along the way. It could also be crucial in the event you are pulled aside for a random screen or inquiry.

The short answer is: it depends. Depending on the country, airspace and airline, you may be required to wear a mask. Flights in the United States no longer require masks on board, however, it's important to check the regulations for your destinations.

While you may not be required to wear a mask on the plane, some countries may require masks on arrival or at certain venues so it's important to pack a mask for your trip.

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Through our instagram and YouTube comments, we get a LOT of great questions from travelers, so we wanted to share the top FAQs more broadly. One that always arises with our airline reviews in particular is how to upgrade after booking, but before check-in. While it's not always available, there are a few options you have depending on your ticket fare class, airline and booking platform.

Voyager Guru (voyagerguru.com) Have you ever been patiently waiting for your checked luggage at the carousel only to find a giant hole punched through the middle? Or the zipper ripped clean off? It’s always such a disappointment. Your first thought is probably, well they won’t do anything about it. And that’s fair! Often, it can feel like airlines don’t take responsibility for issues they deem outside their control, leaving you stuck in a a faraway airport or without assistance or compensation during a long delay. But did you know that many airlines have surprisingly great luggage coverage when your bags break along the journey?

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Organizing a trip is complicated! You have to think about hotels, getting around, activities, and most importantly, flights. Booking a trip can be particularly hard if you have specific dates in mind. While Max and I typically try to take vacations based on flight deals we get through Scott’s Cheap Flights or similar email list-servs, there are times when we have specific dates and locations that we need to be somewhere. It can be intimidating to look at the prices and decide what options are best for your needs. Here are our tips for booking those types of flights:

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Max and I are total credit card points nerds, but we know not everyone is as addicted to the #pointslife as we are, and it can be an overwhelming experience to book trips and know what card to use. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, or right, when booking a hotel or airfare so its important to understand your options.

For most people, renting a car is an absolute nightmare. Nothing ever seems to go right, even down to the prices you see listed online that somehow end up tripling or quadrupling by the time you show up at the counter due to random fees and “taxes” that are pulled out of thin air. But, at the end of the day, renting a car is often the best way to explore a destination on your own, saving both time and money in the long run. During COVID-19 travel, it’s particularly beneficial to help minimize contact during this time. So, if you’re looking for tips on how to avoid getting screwed, read on!

I used to hate going to the airport. It was the worst part of travel. I hated layovers even more. So what changed my mind?. There are so many programs and companies out there that are making the act of going to the airport an amazing part of the journey, instead of just a total hassle. Read on to learn how we take full advantage of credit cards and companies to have the best airport experiences possible.

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So you’ve booked your international trip to Velana International airport. Great! Transfers in the Maldives can be one of the trickiest parts of your vacation planning, and if you’re not prepared for, a big shock when it comes to pricing. Once you arrive, you need to actually get to your hotel. Unlike most vacation destinations, you can’t just grab a cab to your hotel. Transfers are organized through your hotel directly and there are some added costs that you may not be anticipating. In this guide, we will share the most common ways to transfer between islands and hotels in the Maldives and the logistics that go along with it.