Two-week quarantine: Summer getaways with a catch

As two-week quarantine protocols become the norm around the globe with easing travel restrictions, would-be summer vacationers now face a fresh dilemma:

Is traveling under such conditions really worth it?

For many, the answer is probably a firm no. After months of being told to stay home, the idea of flying to a distant destination only to be required to self-isolate upon arrival may seem less than appealing.

For Joshua Mellin, a Chicago-based travel photographer and writer, traveling to a location with quarantine restrictions goes against the principles of responsible travel, and he’s not interested. Even if he were to consider the two-week isolation, he says the challenge would be finding affordable accommodation where he could endure the confinement—especially considering it’s the same length as the typical American summer vacation.

When traveling to destinations with strict entry requirements for both international and, in many cases, domestic arrivals, it may be wise to steer clear of locations with such stringent policies.

Alison Hickey, president of Kensington Tours, advises, "We do not recommend traveling to places that have implemented a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine upon arrival."

Hickey suggests, "Work closely with your travel agent or tour company to fully understand what self-isolation entails for your specific destination," in case avoiding a location with a 14-day quarantine isn't an option.

Anyone with limited vacation days planning international travel should be sure to research official government guidelines carefully — or risk spending their entire holiday locked inside a basic hotel room, or worse, facing legal penalties for breaking quarantine rules.

Proof of self-isolation

As global restrictions begin to ease and economies cautiously reopen, hotels, restaurants, and attractions are preparing to once again welcome international visitors. But it’s far from business as usual.

Australia and New Zealand were among the first countries to implement mandatory self-isolation for both nationals and foreign travelers entering their borders.

Since March 15, anyone arriving in Australia is required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period.

The rules are straightforward: If you’ve been abroad or are from another country, you must stay inside your home or hotel unless there’s an emergency. Visiting public spaces is prohibited, and no one is allowed to visit you while you're quarantining.

In New Zealand, the restrictions are even more stringent. High-risk travelers are placed in dedicated quarantine facilities, and at present, almost no international visitors are permitted entry, whether by air or sea.

In Hawaii, a popular tourist destination that has been discouraging visitors since the start of the pandemic, breaking self-quarantine rules could lead to jail time.

In the UK, government officials recently introduced a mandatory two-week quarantine for most arriving airline passengers.

Starting in June, travelers arriving in the UK by air will not only be required to self-isolate for two weeks but must also provide an address for their quarantine, subject to random checks by authorities.

Requested, not mandated

In the United States, the language surrounding self-quarantine is often ambiguous, leaving room for various interpretations.

While crossing state lines is not banned, regulations differ by state — some states request, instruct, or advise visitors from other states to self-quarantine, while others make it a requirement.

So far, Hawaii seems to be an outlier with its more stringent enforcement measures and tracking systems for those who fail to comply with quarantine rules.

In late March, while reviewing White House guidelines, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker remarked that he didn’t see a clear 'enforcement mechanism' for self-quarantine instructions.

As of May 4, highway billboards along the Northeast turnpike, including in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, urge travelers to self-isolate — but that’s the extent of the message, simply signage along the road.

In the Hamptons, a popular getaway for affluent New Yorkers, self-quarantine is not required, and hotels like the new boutique property, The Roundtree in Amagansett, are scheduled to open on June 1. (In late March, it was recommended that New Yorkers leaving the city self-isolate for 14 days.)

However, Big Sky, Montana, which is starting to gradually reopen its summer operations on May 22, has a different approach: 'According to the Governor’s directive, a 14-day quarantine is required for all travelers arriving from out of state or abroad.'

Choosing a destination without quarantine restrictions may be a key factor when deciding where to vacation this summer.

"I recommend considering local destinations that don’t require quarantine," advises Hickey.

Puerto Rico is also getting ready to welcome visitors soon, but travelers to the US territory will be 'asked to self-quarantine' for 14 days upon arrival through the end of May. (The CDC still advises against all nonessential travel to the region.)

Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, states that as the island 'gradually reopens and continues to manage the virus effectively, we can expect to see more relaxed measures.'

Self-quarantine = just stay at home?

As more regions worldwide begin to revive their dormant tourism industries, destinations that require visitors to endure two weeks of strict self-isolation may struggle to attract travelers.

On the other hand, the threat of hefty fines or even jail time might be a more subtle way of discouraging tourists from visiting.

Instead of imposing a two-week quarantine 'request' or 'restriction,' Canada has simply closed its borders to all nonessential visitors.

Do some states and countries even want leisure tourists this summer?

Maybe not.

During a news briefing, Governor David Ige of Hawaii urged visitors to delay their trips to the state.

"We understand that this will harm our economy, but we are deeply grateful for the support we've received from the hospitality industry, which understands that these measures are necessary," he said.

According to Marisa Yamane, director of communications for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, hotels have been cooperative, often alerting authorities when they suspect someone is violating quarantine orders. They either notify officials or call 911 to ensure police take action.

Open and practicing social distancing

In contrast, Greece is eager to open its doors to travelers and hopes to do so by July 1.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tells Dinogo that Greece is focusing on attracting "more high-end tourists" due to a decline in low-cost airlines flying international visitors to the country’s top vacation spots.

Mitsotakis believes that "agrotourism and stays in smaller hotels seem to be more suitable for this new, post-pandemic world."

In certain regions and resorts where social distancing is easily achieved, though often at a higher price, self-isolation may not be a requirement but rather an inevitable part of the experience.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Hideaways in Belize and Guatemala aim to reopen by July 1, though they are still awaiting further government guidelines.

When asked if visitors to the Hideaways properties will be required to self-quarantine, a PR spokesperson simply responded that the properties "offer the perfect secluded retreat."

"We like to describe the properties as SPF 100 — safety, protection, and familiarity," they said.