Hi ,

As you've probably heard there are several new requirements for travelers (especially by air) so I wanted to make sure you were up to date. I think it's good to know even if, like me, you aren't currently traveling.

Wearing masks during travel. Travelers must wear a mask inside airports and on commercial airplanes, trains, interstate busses and ferries.

Covid Testing for inbound international passengers. The new CDC testing requirement will go into effect on Tuesday, January 26th. This is evolving, if you need the latest updates please go directly to the CDC website to make sure you have the most current information.

Quarantine requirements for all passengers arriving in the US from foreign countries. Just as many other countries have done to help control the spread of covid19 and the new, more contagious variants, the US is currently developing quarantine requirements which are not yet in place. If you plan to travel outside the US make sure you are aware of the latest requirements that will affect your re-entry by consulting the CDC website directly. I'm betting these requirements will become effective in about two weeks, so stay tuned.

Azamara cruise lines has been sold. Azamara, one of my very favorite small ship cruise lines, has been sold by Royal Caribbean, the holding company who owned it, to a private equity company for $210 million cash. I know several of the Azamara staff and speak to them often. Right now, after the departure of about 9 people in the top ranks, all the remaining staff (including the CEO) are staying as the brand transitions to its new owner. While I love Azamara I'm cautious about recommending travel in the longer term until we see what this means for the brand. Short term I think it'll be just fine, but of course short term no one is cruising anyway.

Almost all cruise brands have sold off multiple ships by now, and that will probably continue to happen through 2021.

I continue to see travel suppliers inching toward a requirement of proof of vaccine before booking with them, and I suspect this will gain momentum as the vaccine becomes more available in the US and other countries. I'll keep you posted!

Sue Painter