Traveling during the pandemic may seem like a farfetched idea. Why would you think of going anywhere when things are so crazy. But in September, my husband and I decided to go on our postponed trip. It was a great decision, and traveling to Jamaica is something you should consider.
In this post, I will share most things you need to know about traveling to Sandals Montego Bay. If you are ready for a bit of normal, then this post is for you.
Important to know: The information contained in this post was for a trip that occurred on the following dates of September 21-26, 2020. Requirements for traveling during the pandemic are constantly changing, so please refer to the Jamaica Travel Board for the most current and up-to-date information.
Staying Current With Travel Requirements
The hardest thing right now is keeping up with ALL the travel requirements right now. What testing is needed? Do I need to quarantine? What happens if the resort I am heading to isn’t opening? It is certainly a lot to consider. So my biggest piece of advice is to follow the travel board for whatever country your are traveling to.
Deciding If Traveling During The Pandemic Is Right For You
Only YOU can decide what is right for you. In this post, I am sharing how we safely traveled to and from Jamaica without problems. You need to consider your health, where you are headed, and why.
All I can say is, I am SO glad that we did end up going on this trip. The little taste of “mostly” normal was just what we needed to help us through this rough time. The months of dealing with lockdowns, and masks, and people were really getting to me.
We took the time before our trip to make sure we took care of ourselves. One of the things we used was Vitamin B1, and immune-boosting vitamins. Staying healthy before your trip is extremely important.
Pre-Trip Requirements For Jamaica
So, let’s start with ALL the hard stuff that you need to do before you head to Jamaica. If you are headed to other Caribbean islands, each island has different requirements, so make sure you check each island’s website. The information on those pages may help you with your decision on whether or not you should should be considering traveling during the pandemic.
Covid Testing
Ok, this is the most difficult part of your trip. Jamaica does not allow home testing kits anymore, so you need to find a provider that will do a nasopharyngeal swab. Finding a place to get tested for travel may be difficult, depending on where you live. The closer you are to a major city, the easier it may be. Many places won’t test you without symptoms. For us, we live close to a Patient First center, where you can schedule ahead of time for your Covid testing. You don’t need symptoms. You can pay out of pocket or use insurance. There are other places that aren’t that lucky.
Jamaica also has a strict time frame as to when you can test. They added this handy Covid test calculator to help you test on the correct date.
Jamaica has very strict guidelines as to which type of test they will accept. So read the most up-to-date test information here. You don’t want to be turned away at the gate if you don’t have the right test. We have heard of people going through that horror, and I want to help prepare you for
Jamaica Travel Authorization Is Needed For Traveling During The Pandemic
This is a VERY important step, and one that needs to be filled out very carefully. If you fill something in incorrectly, you can jeopardize your authorization. When we went, we had to upload our negative Covid results when we filled out the authorization. You will also need the following:
- Your passports for your passport number
- The name and address of the hotel you are staying at
- Phone contact for either your cell phone or the hotel you are staying at
- Your flight information
Gather all that stuff together before you start so you have everything you need. As I said earlier, reach each question carefully. There is a question during the flight question that asks where your flight of origin is from. For some reason, it defaults to your home location. Make sure you update it to the airport where your first flight leaves from(if you have a connecting flight).
Once you get those submitted, and you get approved, make sure you print out several copies of the authorization. You will be showing that page in multiple locations. While our airline did not keep ours, it is best to have extra printed copies. Most checkpoints do not want you to use your phone.
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How To Pack For Traveling During the Pandemic
Ok, now you have your testing and travel authorization, now it is time for the fun stuff. Although, packing isn’t my favorite thing, and packing for traveling now is a little bit different. Here are a few tips to help you out.
What You Should Keep Handy In Your Carry-On To Make Traveling During The Pandemic Easier
I am not sure if you travel with carry on only, so this may be a bit different for you. I actually check my carry-on, and use my (non-affiliate) locked KYSS bag as my carry-on/personal item. It fits perfectly under the seat, and I can save room in the overhead bin for someone who really needs it.
- Your passport, COVID results, and Jamaica travel authorization. Save yourself time and trouble by not using a passport cover. You will be pulling it and your paperwork out multiple times, and customs will ask you to remove it from its cover. Skip the cover, and save yourself some time.
- Sanitizing wipes for the airplane seat, tray table, etc. I highly recommend these wipes to take in your bag.
- 1 or 2 extra face masks. Some find the disposable masks more comfortable. I actually found the cotton ones worked well for me. If you have trouble wearing masks, ask your physician for some anxiety medication.
- 3 oz. bottle of hand sanitizer for your hands. Also a 3 oz. bottle of sunscreen. Keep them together in your liquids bag for your trip through airport security.
- A good book.
- A packing cube with your swimsuits, protective phone cover, flip flops, and a sun hat.
- An I-pod with noise cancelling earphones.
- Any prescription medications you need to take with you.
- Travel flushable bathroom wipes, motion sickness medication, pain reliever, or other little items.
This is just a list of general suggestions, but most people find that is all they need. I also kept our dinner clothes in our bag just in case our suitcases got misplaced. We didn’t have any issues, but we were at least prepared.
General Packing Tips & Tricks
There really isn’t anything special you need to hear except you don’t need a lot of things. You will need at least 4 swimsuits(depending how long you are staying), cover-ups, and swim flip flops. That is what you will spend the majority of your day in. I also have a pair of these shorts to wear when we are walking around to avoid the rubbing of the thighs when wet.
Have your nice clothes for dinner, fun fancy sandals for dinner, some inexpensive jewelry, simple makeup, and something to wear for the way home. That is pretty much ALL you need. Sandals provides body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, so there is no need to drag those items.
Save space in your suitcase to bring several bottles of quality suntan lotion, you will need them. I REALLY recommend Sunbum SPF 70 and Sunbum Cool Down lotion. Bring at least 3 bottles, I suggest 4. You can buy it on the resort, but again, very expensive. If you travel carry-on only, they are available in 3 oz. bottles.
Special Tip: Bring a small bottle of Woolite in your checked bag. If something gets dirty, or you run out of underthings, you can hand wash in the sink, and hang to dry. They do have laundry services on the resort, but it is a bit pricey.
What You Need To Know About Traveling During The Pandemic Once You Arrive At The Airport
I can’t stress enough how important it is to check your airline’s website for the most current information. Airlines require that you wear a mask for your entire flight. They are not kidding, and flights have been delayed or turned around because of it. Don’t be that person.
If wearing a mask for an extended amount of time is too difficult, then you should not be traveling during the pandemic. You can cost someone else their very expensive vacation if you choose not to follow the airlines guidelines.
Paperwork Requirements At Check-In
Right now, airlines are not allowing online check-in for international flights. So make sure you allow extra time before your flight. Our flight was super early, so we ended up with more waiting time than we expected. When you get to the counter, they will ask for your passport and travel authorization before issuing your boarding pass.
You can also check your luggage at this time.
Wearing Your Masks And Social Distancing During Pandemic Travel
We flew out of Philadelphia International, and they require you to wear masks at all times. They also have seats blocked off to promote social distancing. I liked how they had several groups of 4 together for families.
Now Charlotte airport was a completely different story. While they still require masks, there was NO social distance with seating. I found that to be a bit uncomfortable. Luckily we did not have a long wait to board.
What You Need To Know About Airport Amenities When Traveling During The Pandemic
Again, since we were early, there wasn’t much open at the airport. I recommend checking your airport website for a list of things that may be open. There is the general store open that sells a little of everything.
At Charlotte, most things were open, with the exception of Starbucks. I was a tad bit disappointed since we had such an early start to our day. I could have walked back to Chick-fil-A, but I didn’t want to miss my fight.
What Happens When You Get To Your Gate And More About The Boarding Process
Once you get to the gate, the gate agents will tell you that EVERYONE must check-in. They check your travel authorization, COVID results, and then make marks on your boarding pass. Several people had trouble pulling it up on there phone, so that is why I say you really need to have them printed out.
Boarding is a bit different as well. Once the first-class & military personnel board, they board from the back of the plane. A smart idea, but it makes overhead space a premium. So if you have the opportunity to check your carry-on for free, I would do it.
Since everyone cooperated with all aspects of boarding and mask wearing, we were up and away fairly quickly. Our pilot was nice enough to get us to Jamaica early, and I was absolutely ready to go!
Once You Arrive At Sangster International Airport
Once you pull up to your gate, make sure you pay attention. The Ministry of Health department boards and makes an announcement. Listen carefully! Have your passport ready. Have your customs & immigration form filled out and ready to go. And have your Covid test results and your travel authorization inside your passport on your picture page for easy use.
We always travel to Jamaica and use Club Mobay services. Before the pandemic this was a great investment. Now when you are traveling during the pandemic, these services are even MORE worth the cost. They made the next steps less stressful, and we got to jump to the front of the line. She also explained each step of the process so you knew what to expect. I love that they check your customs form for accuracy and fix and mistakes.
About The Health Screening
Now, I admit, this step was one I was so nervous about. When you come off the plane, they take your temperature before you head to the health screening. Hang on to the little slip of paper they give you. Next, you meet a health representative that asks questions, looks over your paperwork, asks where you are going & how long you are staying, and then asks for contact information for someone back home.
After you are cleared, then you pretty much go through things the normal way.
Customs & Immigration And Luggage Retrieval
Nothing has changed with this part of the process. Again, they ask for your travel authorization, stamp your passport, ask the usual questions, and off you go. Again, Club Mobay arrival services really comes in handy because you are given priority. You grab your luggage, stop at the desk, declare things if you need to, and then you go.
If you are headed to Sandals, they take you there and check you in. Since Club Mobay representatives are not part of Sandals, please tip them for their service. They deserve it! We did not get to use the Club Mobay lounge this time, but got to enjoy a rum cake & Red Stripe in the Sandals lounge.
Heading To Sandals Montego Bay(Or Other Sandals Resorts)
So one of the things that hasn’t changed is the short amount of time you need to wait in the lounge until your transportation is ready. Yay!
More About Your Transportation During This Pandemic
Depending on what room type you have will determine how you get to the hotel you are staying at. For us, we thought our room type just included a bus trip. To our amazing surprise, we ended up with the private BMW car to the resort. Talk about feeling special!
What You Need To Know About Check-In At The Resort
As soon as you get to the resort, your temperature is taken again, you get their signature cooling towel, and they take you for check in. Keep your mask on at this time. If you are club level or butler, you head to the Montego Bay Club Sandals lounge. Other guests will be escorted to the regular lounge.
You check-in like normal, and if your room is ready, you will be taken there. If you are butler guests, your butler will greet you in the lounge. While you are waiting for someone to check in, you HAVE to have their signature drink, the Sundowner! I didn’t think I like coconut rum, but in this drink, it was delicious.
If your room isn’t ready, a Club Sandals employee will escort you to lunch. Of course, we headed straight for the Jerk Shack!
After we ate, we headed back to the lounge to see if our room was ready. It was, so off we went.
More About Your Room And The Platinum Cleaning Protocols
The first thing you notice when you get to your room, you will notice a blue sticker above the door handle. This tells you that your room has been thoroughly sanitized using their Platinum Cleaning Protocols. It is very reassuring during this crazy time, so know your cleaning staff is keeping you safe.
And everyday our room was cleaned as well. I have never had a problem with cleanliness at any Sandals resort we stayed, but I have to say, they were over the top.
Now It’s Time To Enjoy The Resort
So, now that you have visited your room and unpacked(if you have a butler, they will do this for your), time to explore the resort.
Sandals Resorts Mask Policy When Traveling During The Pandemic
Masks are not required at the beach or pools. They are not required at dinner. You only really need to wear them when you are in enclosed places like the gift shop, Loyalty & Travel, EPIX pictures, or Club Sandals.
That makes you feel like things are *almost* normal. Of course, if you choose to wear your mask anywhere else, no one will bat an eyelash.
Also know, the staff wears masks ALL the time. Some people think it takes away from the experience, but you can see their smiles under those masks.
Hand Sanitizing Stations And Protocols
Before you sit down to eat or enter various places, you are asked to sanitize your hands. There is also hand sanitizer in your bathroom. They definitely make sure guests have a safe and sanitary experience. You know, I hope they continue it after we make it through this crazy time.
What You Need To Know About The Restaurants In This Pandemic
Right now, most restaurants require reservations. This helps promote social distancing. If you are club or butler, make your reservations on the first day. We are flexible with our eating times, so we had no trouble getting reservations at the places we wanted to eat.
Oh, I have to say, Butch’s was SO worth the wait!
You will also notice that the menus are laminated and they are cleaned after every use. Just another step to keep things safe.
Beaches, Pools, & Public Spaces
This really hasn’t changed much, except for two key things: each morning the lounge chairs are thoroughly sanitized, and usually after guests vacate them.
Also, the blue floats are missing from the common pool areas. You will see them at the private swim ups, so I recommend bring your own. As you can see, I really enjoyed bringing mine. The Aqua Sports center blew it up for me, and I used it our entire stay. I could lounge back, straddle it, and even sit up in it.
Most water sports were available as well, and things were cleaned after each use.
Traveling During The Pandemic Has Changed The Rules About Excursions And Leaving The Resort
When we were there, you could travel back and forth between Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean. They weren’t really letting you off the resort to explore on your own. And excursions were permitted, as long as they were in the resilient corridor. We originally wanted to do the Appleton Rum Tour, but it wasn’t operating.
And to be honest, I really didn’t have any desire to leave the resort because it was so safe and clean.
When It’s Time To Go Home
This is always the worst thing about coming to Sandals Resorts. Luckily we have several more trips to look forward to. Nothing has changed in this respect, except you will see less people on the bus back to the airport. And people were conscious about social distancing.
I think the hardest part was having to wear the mask again. Again, the airport procedure for leaving was normal. We had Club Mobay for departure as well, so I got to enjoy some rum punch and island eats before we left.
So here are a few pictures from the resort for you to enjoy.
My Final Thoughts About Traveling During The Pandemic
Final thoughts? I would do it again in a heartbeat. Especially to Sandals Resorts. I am hoping that by the time we travel in 2021, things won’t be as bad. But at least I know what to do and how to keep us safe when we are traveling during the pandemic. But Covid, please go away.
Recommended Travel Products
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