These metrics are broken down into five broad categories:

• Stability
• Healthcare
• Culture and environment
• Education
• Infrastructure

For the third consecutive year, Vienna, Austria, has claimed the title of the world’s most livable city. The Austrian capital excelled with perfect scores in stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. It’s only downfall? A lack of major sporting events which costs it points in the entertainment category. 

Overall, Western Europe is the best region in the world for livability, with four cities ranking in the top ten. 

The Most Livable Cities in the World

1. Vienna, Austria
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Zurich, Switzerland
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. Calgary, Canada (tied with Geneva)
6. Geneva, Switzerland (tie)
7. Sydney, Australia (tied with Vancouver)
8. Vancouver, Canada (tie)
9. Osaka, Japan (tied with Aukland)
10. Auckland, New Zealand (tie)

Honolulu, Hawaii, stands out as the top choice for those seeking the highest quality of life within the United States. Ranking 23rd globally, it’s the highest-rated American city on the livability index. 

Even if you’re not planning a permanent relocation, this list can help you plan your next vacation destination. “Travelers can use the livability index to help them select destinations for city breaks, taking into account factors such as the availability of cultural activities, relative safety and security, and access to healthcare, as well as the quality of local infrastructure and transport,” says Ana Nicholls, Industry Director at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The World’s Worst Cities to Live in

At the other end of the spectrum, these cities were deemed the worst destinations to live in, mainly due to a lack of stability and poor healthcare. 

1. Caracas, Venezuela
2. Kyiv, Ukraine
3. Port Moresby, PNG
4. Harare, Zimbabwe
5. Dhaka, Bangladesh
6. Karachi, Pakistan
7. Lagos, Nigeria
8. Algiers, Algeria
9. Tripoli, Libya
10. Damascus, Syria

Wondering why cities in the United States didn’t crack the top ten best cities to live in? “US cities face a few well-established structural problems that affect their scores in our index, compared with developed countries in Western Europe and Australasia (as well as Canada),” Nicholls told SmarterTravel. “They tend to score lower on stability owing to a greater incidence of social unrest, while weak gun-control laws mean that crime is often violent and fatal and undermines social cohesion.”

If you’ve ever enjoyed the high-speed trains in Japan or the well-run subways in Europe, you’ll understand why American cities fall short. Cities in the US “underperform on infrastructure, owing to gaps in public transport and other public facilities,” says Nicholls. “However, they do score extremely well, on average, in terms of education.” 

The post The 10 Best Cities to Live in appeared first on SmarterTravel.

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Find out if the Water Is Safe

It’s important to find out if the water is safe to drink at your destination before you travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Traveler’s Health page for every country that you can check to find out the potability of the water. 

If the water is not safe, you’ll need to change both your drinking and eating habits. Follow the popular adage: “peel it, boil it, cook it, or forget it” to stay healthy. 

For drinks:

• Drink only sealed, bottled water
• Avoid ice in drinks
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth
• Avoid fruit juices that may be mixed with tap water

For food:

• Only eat fruit that you can peel or wash in clean water
• Skip salads and fresh vegetables that have been washed in tap water
• Avoid food that is served at room temperature (rather than cold or hot)

Eat and Drink in Moderation

When you overindulge on rich foods and alcohol at home, you don’t feel well, so you shouldn’t be surprised if deviating from your normal moderate diet while traveling causes you to suffer bloating, heartburn, nausea, or other symptoms.

Of course, sampling all of the local delicacies is an essential part of travel, but you’ll feel better if you taste things in small portions—and add in plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables. 

Alcohol in particular can upset your stomach. Dr. Bill Miller, a biologist, infectious disease expert, and author of Bioverse: How the Cellular World Contains the Secrets to Life’s Biggest Questions, tells SmarterTravel, “Watch how much alcohol you consume since this can undermine your gut microbiome.”

Get Vaccinated

Although most traveler’s stomach issues go away within a few days, it’s possible that you could contract something more serious via food or drink. Check the CDC’s recommendations for vaccinations for your destination before you travel. 

Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for many destinations, and both diseases can cause severe stomach problems along with other health issues. 

Wash Your Hands

Oftentimes, digestive ailments while traveling are blamed on unfamiliar foods, but in reality, they can commonly be caused by bad hand hygiene. To stay healthy while traveling (and at home) always wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom.

Pack Medication

Dr. Miller recommends packing Pepto-Bismol when you travel. “Reports indicate that bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and its competitors) can effectively help to treat mild traveler’s diarrhea and also prevent it.” Dr. Miller advises taking Pepto-Bismol as a preventative measure before and during your trip to help ward off any symptoms of traveler’s stomach. 

A probiotic can be another helpful prophylaxis to prevent symptoms before they start. Dr. Miller recommends looking for “a well-formulated probiotic with multiple strains.” Align’s probiotic is highly recommended by many doctors, and doesn’t require refrigeration. 

If your preventative measures fail, Dr. Miller advises packing an antimotility drug such as Imodium, which can help with symptoms. 

The post 5 Tips for Avoiding Traveler’s Stomach appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Regardless of the official rules, remember that the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that all flyers be fully vaccinated before traveling. 

Domestic Flights Within the US

US citizens traveling on a domestic flight within the country do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to fly.

International Flights From the US

If you’re flying from the US to a foreign country, vaccination requirements will vary based upon your destination. 

For example, if you’re flying to Canada, you will need to show proof of vaccination before you board your flight. 

To find out the vaccination rules for your destination, look up the country-specific page on the US State Department website. The “entry, exit, and visa requirements” section will have the information that you need. 

What it means to be fully vaccinated can also vary by country. Many European countries will not consider travelers to be fully vaccinated if more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of their initial vaccination series, meaning that most travelers must have received a booster shot to be qualified as fully vaccinated. 

International Flights to the US

All COVID-19 entry requirements for US citizens returning to the US have been dropped. US citizens do not need to be vaccinated for a flight to the US and will not be asked to show proof of vaccination. 

However, foreign national air travelers to the United States must be fully vaccinated in order to enter the country. Non-citizens must show proof of vaccination status before boarding a plane to the US. There are limited exemptions to this policy, including for children, which can be found here.

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What Is Jet Lag?

Jet lag is a physical reaction to a rapid change in time zones. It affects most travelers, including seasoned flyers like flight attendants and pilots. Common symptoms include disorientation, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, dry eyes, headaches, irregular bowels, and general malaise.

Note that flying from, say, New York City to Santiago won’t produce jet lag in the true sense because both cities are in the same time zone—but the effects of the long flight might feel quite a bit like classic jet lag. In these cases, you’re just tired from the flight, and a good night’s sleep and perhaps some exercise will set things right.

On long flights—especially red-eye flights—you often lose several hours of sleep time, which can set you back considerably even without the jarring time change. If you live by a regular schedule (up at 7:00 a.m., in bed by 10:00 p.m. every night), watch out. Jet lag hits those with rigid body clocks the hardest. Parents should be sure to bring along books and toys your child can play with on his or her own, in case the jet lag hits you differently than it does your little ones.

A general rule of thumb to keep in mind before any long trip is the 1:1 ratio: Allow yourself one day to recover for every hour of time difference that you experience. Some people find that they recover from jet lag more easily when traveling west instead of east (or vice versa).

How to Prevent Jet Lag: Before You Go

Treat your body well before you fly. Although it may be tempting to stay up all night before your flight in order to more easily fall asleep onboard, you should do the opposite. Jet lag can hit you harder if you’re tired, sick, or hungover. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before you board your flight. Exercise, sleep well, stay hydrated, and stay sober. The worst thing you can do is get on a long flight with a hangover.

Some travelers like to exercise right before they go to the airport. (This can actually help you sleep better on the plane.) Once you’re at the airport, avoid the escalators and moving sidewalks. Instead, walk and take the stairs on the way to your check-in area and gate connections.

Adjust your habits before you leave. For example, if you’re traveling from the East to the West Coast of the U.S., you’re facing a three-hour time change and you should try to adjust your internal clock. A few days before you leave, try to stay up a little later than usual, and sleep in a little longer. If you become accustomed to falling asleep at 12:00 a.m. and waking up at 8:00 a.m. on the East Coast, it will be the same as falling asleep at 9:00 p.m. and waking up at 5:00 a.m. on the West Coast, getting you one step closer to the time zone you’ll be in. Traveling west to east, do the opposite: Get up and go to bed earlier.

During the Flight

Perhaps the best way to avoid jet lag while in flight is to treat your body well. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids. Dehydration has been shown to amplify some of the symptoms of jet lag, making you feel even worse. Don’t be afraid to ask your flight attendant for extra water.

Set your watch to the time in your destination as soon as you take off so you can start training your brain on the new schedule.

If you’ll be arriving in the morning at your destination, it’s a good idea to try to sleep on the flight. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and pack a neck pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, or noise-canceling headphones in your carry-on to help you block out the distractions around you. To help you get more rest in flight, see our tips for sleeping on planes.

Meanwhile, if you’ll be arriving late at your destination, you might want to avoid anything more than a brief nap on the plane; that way you’ll be tired enough to sleep when you arrive. Queue up a few movies on your seatback screen, read a good book, and get up out of your seat at regular intervals to walk and stretch. You can also do exercises like toe raises, isometric exercises, stomach crunches, and shoulder shrugs right in your seat. This keeps your blood flowing and prevents it from pooling at your extremities, a common phenomenon in pressurized cabins. If you’re in a window seat, consider putting up the shade to let natural light in; it’ll help keep you awake.

When You Land

Stay awake until the evening when you arrive. It’s painful, especially if you didn’t manage much sleep on the plane, but you’ll have an easier time on the rest of your trip if you can stay awake at least until the early evening of the first day. Walking around outdoors and getting some natural light can help adjust your body’s circadian rhythms. You’ll also want to continue to keep yourself well hydrated.

Jet Lag Remedies: Medication and Light Therapy

Melatonin is a chemical in the body that helps regulate sleep cycles. It can be taken in pill form, and many travelers swear by it for fighting jet lag. However, as popular as melatonin is, it’s also controversial. Studies have indicated that incorrect melatonin usage can make you feel even more fatigued, and its dosage isn’t regulated, so be sure to read all instructions and consult your physician before taking the product.

One widely available homeopathic remedy is the aptly named No-Jet-Lag. The company claims the chewable tablets address all jet lag symptoms, and offers testimonials from flight attendants and other frequent flyers. A bag of dried cherries is another natural remedy that some travelers use, as these are a good source of melatonin.

Some travelers use sleeping pills, antihistamines, and motion sickness pills to induce sleep on planes and at hotels after arrival. While they work for some, others are left feeling miserably groggy. Be sure to try any over-the-counter sleep aids at home before your trip—you don’t want to find out you’re allergic to any ingredients while you’re trapped on the airplane. Likewise, melatonin can cause nightmares in some people—also not fun at 30,000 feet. Always consult your doctor before trying any remedies, as some herbs can interact with prescription medications.

If all else fails, try an alternate therapy. Light therapy has become a popular treatment for jet lag. At its heart, jet lag means you’re out of step with the rising and setting of the sun, so exposing yourself to light at the appropriate time can theoretically help you align your body with your new time zone.

Unfortunately, the jury’s still out on the effectiveness of this. The debate centers on precisely which kind of light is best—natural, artificial, bright, or dim. One study even found that flashing light might be best. Some researchers and enthusiasts recommend avoiding light on flights by wearing sunglasses onboard and in the airport, then simply spending 15 to 20 minutes in direct sunlight without sunglasses as soon as possible after landing.

Jet Lag Apps

Several smartphone apps have been developed to help travelers avoid jet lag. Enter your flight details into Timeshifter (iOS | Android) or Entrain (iOS | Android), and they’ll create a suggested schedule of when to sleep, avoid caffeine, or expose yourself to bright light to prepare for the time change. Another option is the Uplift app (iOS | Android), which uses biorhythmic acupressure to help you reset your body clock.

Dietary Tactics to Prevent Jet Lag

The so-called “jet lag diet,” an alternation of feasting and fasting for three days leading up to a long-haul flight, was very popular a few years back. Recent research suggests that fasting for 12 to 16 hours before breakfast time at your destination is an effective simplification of the original diet—as long as you’re willing to ingest nothing but water on your long-haul flight.

If can’t or don’t want to fast, restrict your diet to foods that are easily digested and not too rich. If you’re trying to stay awake in order to get your body in step with the local time zone, caffeine can be useful—but don’t go overboard. While it might seem tempting to guzzle several cups of coffee when your eyelids begin to droop, you could end up wide awake at 1:00 a.m. Be sure to implement all dietary changes in moderation.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Molly Feltner, Caroline Morse Teel, and Margaret Leahy contributed to this story.

The post The Best Ways to Prevent and Treat Jet Lag appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just raised its general travel advisory from Level 1 (“Practice Usual Precautions”) to Level 2, (“Practice Enhanced Precautions”) due to a growing outbreak of monkeypox. 

What Is Monkeypox?

According to the CDC, “Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus.” Monkeypox had previously only been found in Central and West Africa, however, cases have recently been reported in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Monkeypox is most commonly transmitted through contact with the skin lesions or bodily fluids (including respiratory droplets) of infected animals or humans. It is also possible to contract the virus via contact with materials contaminated with monkeypox. 

Monkeypox can make people sick for 2-4 weeks, and is fatal in between 1-11% of victims. 

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash

Fortunately, the CDC emphasizes that the risk to the general public is low. President Biden recently told reporters that he did not anticipate a quarantine to stop the spread of monkeypox in the U.S., saying, “I just don’t think it rises to the level of the kind of concern that existed with covid-19, and the smallpox vaccine works for it.”

How Should Travelers Protect Themselves Against Monkeypox?

The CDC recommends that travelers avoid:

• Close contact with sick people, including those with skin lesions or genital lesions.
• Contact with dead or live wild animals such as small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes).
• Eating or preparing meat from wild game (bushmeat) or using products derived from wild animals from Africa (creams, lotions, powders).
• Contact with contaminated materials used by sick people (such as clothing, bedding, or materials used in healthcare settings) or that came into contact with infected animals. (CDC Monkeypox advisory)

If you develop a new, unexplained skin rash on any part of your body, the CDC advises avoiding contact with others and seeing a doctor. Call ahead to let your healthcare facility know that you are concerned you may have monkeypox. 

Is There a Monkeypox Vaccine?

Studies have shown that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 percent effective against monkeypox. 

Should You Change Your Travel Plans Due to Monkeypox?

The risk to most travelers is still very low, so you do not need to change your plans. Monkeypox is significantly less transmissible than COVID-19. Before you travel, read the CDC’s monkeypox travel advisory and take necessary precautions during your trip.

The post CDC Raises Travel Advisory Due to Monkeypox Outbreak appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Following the ruling of a federal judge in Florida that struck down the mask mandate on public transportation, the Biden administration just announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require face coverings in airports and on planes.

Most U.S. airlines have reacted to this announcement by making masks optional on flights for all employees and passengers, effective immediately. Masks may continue to be required on international flights, depending on regulations in the destination country.

As Delta Airlines noted in a statement, “Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees, such as TSA, may be receiving this information at different times. You may experience inconsistent enforcement during the next 24 hours as this news is more broadly communicated.”

U.S. Airlines No Longer Requiring Masks

These U.S. airlines have announced that face coverings will no longer be required on flights:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Many ground transportation providers have dropped the mask requirement as well, including Uber, Amtrak, and the Washington, DC, Metro system.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends “people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.” All of the airlines that have lifted the mask requirement have noted that customers are still welcome to wear a face covering if they choose.

The post Masks Are Now Optional on These U.S. Airlines appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here are 19 popular international travel destinations that have dropped COVID entry requirements for vaccinated travelers. 

Just remember that the United States requires its own negative COVID-19 test from passengers returning to the U.S. regardless of vaccination status.

Editor’s Note: Although the information below was correct at the time of publication, always make sure to check the most up-to-date travel restrictions and guidance before booking or traveling to your destination, as rules can quickly change. 

Antigua and Barbuda

Travelers to Antigua and Barbuda are required to have valid vaccination documentation and have received at least two doses or the approved single dose of the vaccine. Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to present a negative-result PCR or Rapid Antigen Test, unless they show symptoms of possible infection. Fully vaccinated individuals who do show symptoms may be required to submit a test at their own expense. 

Unvaccinated minors between the ages of 5 and 18 must present a negative-result test within four or fewer days of arrival to Antigua and Barbuda. Unvaccinated minors who are not staying at a certified accommodation like a vacation rental, may be required to quarantine at home for a period of 10 to 14 days. Children under the age of 5 do not require testing. 

Aruba

Effective March 19, 2022, all travelers to Aruba will no longer be required to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. Previously, Aruba required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. 

Belgium

Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens are welcome to travel to Belgium without any prior testing. Valid proof of vaccination is required to enter the country. CDC or state-issued vaccination cards are acceptable. Those who are unvaccinated and wish to travel to Belgium are required to quarantine for seven days upon arrival and present a negative COVID-19 test. A PCR test must be performed no more than 72 hours prior and a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) must be performed no more than 24 hours prior to arrival in Belgium. 

Costa Rica

Beginning April 1, 2022, Costa Rica will drop most of its COVID-19 entry requirements. Prior to April, U.S. travelers were required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccine with an acceptable vaccine card. After April, proof of vaccination, purchase of supplemental health insurance and submission of an online health pass will no longer be required.

Denmark

There are no testing requirements for fully vaccinated individuals traveling to Denmark. Testing is required for individuals who are unvaccinated. However, Denmark’s Faroe Islands, do require a negative test. 

Dominican Republic

Travelers to the Dominican Republic are not required to provide a negative-result COVID-19 test. However, rapid tests are performed on randomly selected travelers upon arrival. Other health screenings and temperature checks do take place at the airport

France

Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can enter France with proof of completed vaccination. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated are required to submit a negative PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of entering France. There are no quarantine requirements. 

As of February 2022, French also requires travelers 18 years old and over to receive a booster dose of the vaccine if it has been nine months or more since your second dose or single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in order to be considered fully vaccinated. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must present a negative COVID-10 test.

Germany

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Germany with proof of vaccination, and children under 12 who are not fully vaccinated but accompanied by a vaccinated adult are permitted with a negative COVID-19 test. Children under 6 do not require a test. 

Unvaccinated individuals will need to demonstrate an important need to travel to Germany in order to gain entry. Also, travelers who have been in a German designated virus-variant area in the last 10 days must present a negative PCR test, regardless of vaccination status. 

Greece

As of February 2022, U.S. travelers over the age of 5 can visit Greece with a valid vaccination certificate and no COVID-19 testing. The vaccine certificate is valid for nine months after completing your vaccine or indefinitely if you have received a booster dose. Unvaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test performed 72 hours prior to arrival or a rapid antigen test performed 24 hours before arrival.

Hungary

As of March 7, 2022 Hungary no longer has any COVID-related travel restrictions and a COVID-19 test is not required to enter the country.

Iceland

No COVID-19 testing is required to enter Iceland regardless of vaccination status, and health screening procedures are no longer in place for arriving airport passengers.

Ireland

As of March 6, 2022, travelers to Ireland are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test upon arrival in the country. There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for those traveling to Ireland. 

Mexico

A negative COVID-19 test is not required for travelers entering Mexico. Health screenings and temperature checks are possible for some travelers at Mexico airports. 

Norway

As of Feb. 12, 2022, all COVID-19 entry requirements to Norway have been lifted. No testing, quarantine, or medical registration is needed to enter the country. Face mask and social distancing mandates have also been lifted throughout the country and its establishments. 

Panama

Fully vaccinated travelers (at least 14 days prior) are permitted to enter Panama with proof of vaccination and an electronic sworn affidavit. However, unvaccinated individuals must present a negative PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of arrival in Panama or be tested at the airport at their expense. Health screening procedures are in place at Panama airports. 

Peru

As of Fab. 28, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers to Peru who are at least 12 years old, must present a valid vaccination card before boarding a plane to Peru and complete an electronic health sworn statement. A third booster dose is required for those over the age of 40 to be considered fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test issued up to 48 hours before boarding. Anyone arriving in Peru with symptoms must complete a mandatory quarantine. 

Once in Peru the use of a KN95 mask or three-fold surgical mask with a fabric mask is mandatory when in public. Anyone over 18 must also present proof of vaccination when entering establishments. 

Spain

Non-essential travelers to Spain for tourism, must show proof of vaccination to enter the country but no COVID-19 testing is required. Vaccines are considered valid from 14 days after the last dose up to 270 days. If more than 270 days have passed then a booster shot is required to be fully vaccinated. Health screening procedures are also in place at airports. 

Switzerland

U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated within the past 270 days of visiting Switzerland are permitted to enter the country without a negative COVID-19 test. Proof of vaccination is required. Unvaccinated travelers are not permitted to enter the country. 

United Kingdom

As of March 18, 2022 all travelers to the UK are no longer required to take any COVID-19 tests, regardless of vaccination status. You also do not need to quarantine when you arrive. This applies to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The post 19 Countries That Have Dropped All COVID Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Visitors appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The United States currently requires a negative COVID test taken within one day of your flight in order to return to the country from abroad. Most other countries have similar requirements for entry.

There are now numerous options to take a COVID test either at-home or at the airport, but which is better for travelers?

Cost

Airport testing sites usually charge a premium to departing passengers. These setups often cater to passengers who forgot (or got the wrong type of test) and don’t have any other options if they want to make their flight.

This lack of options is often reflected in the price of an at-airport COVID test. Some airports might only offer the more expensive PCR tests to travelers, instead of the cheaper Antigen test. XpresCheck, for example, owns testing sites at a number of airports across the country, and charges $250 for a rapid PCR test or $75 for PCR test with a standard turnaround time. 

However, it really depends on the location. Toronto Pearson Airport charges approximately US$53 for a rapid test, Mexico City Airport offers testing for around $27 and London Heathrow provides them for $33.

An at-home rapid COVID test may be cheaper if you’re able to shop around. A two-pack of the Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth costs $70, meaning each test comes out to $35. 

Time

Most airport testing sites allow you to make a reservation in advance, but you’ll still be at the mercy of how many people in the line are ahead of you. And you’ll still have to find the clinic in the first place (airports are big places!) and factor in the turnaround time for getting your results. If you’re traveling to the airport a day or two before your flight in order to get tested, you’ll also need to consider the time and cost it will take to make a separate trip to the airport. 

If you self-administer your test, it’ll probably take 30-40 mins in total, including the 15-minute wait time for the test kit to produce your result. And you can do it from the comfort of your own home or accommodation.

Test Early

No matter which option you choose, you might want to test as early as possible within the testing window. Under the current CDC rules, you must get tested either the day of, or the day before, departure for trips to the United States. So if your flight to the US departs at 6pm on Thursday, you could do your test as early as 12:01am on Wednesday the day before. Note that the U.S. rules go by calendar day, not 24-hour time period, but other countries may have test requirements based on an hours-long window.

In this scenario, let’s say you do your test after breakfast on Wednesday at 9am. If you test positive, you then have 33 hours to change your flight, and make plans to stay put and ride out the isolation period until you can return to the US.

Conversely, say you wait until you get to the airport, which you might do 3-4 hours before your departing flight to give enough time. If you test positive, you’ll have to cancel or change your flight (by which time it’s probably too late), and make alternative accommodation plans while at the airport, which can have spotty WiFi (and is just a stressful place in itself.)

Things To Keep In Mind

Make Sure it’s an Approved Test

This is really important. Self-administered tests without supervision by an approved service provider are not eligible for departures to the US. According to the CDC, “The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection.”

Related: https://www.smartertravel.com/best-covid-tests-for-travel/

Do You Need a PCR Test?

There is a difference between a rapid antigen test and a PCR test. The US accepts both, but many countries require the more accurate (and more expensive) PCR test.

You’ll want to check if your destination requires a PCR test. If so, that needs to be conducted in person by a licensed medical professional. A PCR test with a fast turnaround time can be difficult to find outside of the airport, so this could be a case when it makes sense to test in a terminal. 

Does Your Destination Require In-Person Testing?

Some countries will allow you to use a rapid test, but not one that is taken via telehealth. For example, Australia accepts rapid tests but requires the test to be taken (or supervised) in-person by an authorized practitioner.  

Test Your Device Beforehand

If conducting an at-home rapid test through a telehealth provider, you’ll need to have a reliable internet connection, plus access to video and audio.

The first time I used the Abbott BinaxNOW at-home test mentioned above, the network connection on my personal laptop was not working, so I couldn’t log on to the service. Luckily, I had my work laptop with me, which allowed me to do so.

Take 5-10 minutes to create your account with the service provider before you even leave on your trip, and make sure that your device/s are working. Some at-home tests require you to download an app in advance, which may not be available in the international app store once you leave the country.

The post Should You Take a Pre-Trip COVID Test at Home or at the Airport? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandate requires masks on “all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems.” This ruling had previously been set to expire on March 18, 2022, however, the TSA just extended the mandate for one more month.

The TSA released a statement saying, “At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the security directive for mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for one month, through April 18th.”

However, it does sound like the TSA is considering changing the mandate in the near future. In the same statement, the TSA noted, “During that time, CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor. This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. “

The TSA’s mask requirement is based on advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Jade Fulce, Public Affairs Specialist for the CDC, told SmarterTravel “CDC will continue to assess the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 during travel and—as needed—we will make updates to our recommendations based on science and our understanding of the current situation.”

The post Will the Federal Mask Mandate on Planes and Trains End Soon? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Recently, some countries have begun requiring booster shots if a certain amount of time has passed since your original one- or two-dose vaccine series was completed. Here are 10 countries that now require Americans to have a COVID-19 booster shot for travel (or to skip testing/quarantine requirements).

Austria

Booster requirements: If it has been 270 days since your final dose of COVID-19 vaccination, you’ll need a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated in Austria. If you have a booster shot taken at least 120 days after your last dose of your vaccination series, you will not need to show a negative PCR test for entry. Booster shots extend your full vaccination status for another 270 days from the date of the shot.

Is a negative test required? Testing is not required if you have the booster shot. If you are not boosted, but have completed a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) or received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’ll also need to have a negative PCR test that was taken in the past 72 hours.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? If you have recently recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you can enter using a medical certificate showing the date of recovery as a substitute for the PCR test.

For the latest official information on entry requirements and COVID restrictions, please visit Austria.info

Croatia

Booster requirements: Croatia requires a booster shot if it has been 270 days since your final dose of initial vaccination to be considered fully vaccinated.

Is a negative test required? Fully vaccinated travelers do not require testing for entry. If it’s been less than 270 days since your final dose of initial vaccination or if you have the booster shot, no test will be required. Otherwise, you’ll need to provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a rapid antigen test no older than 24 hours.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? If you have recently recovered from a COVID infection, a positive test that was taken in the previous 180 days, which is older than 11 days from the date of arrival, or a medical certificate of recovery can be used for entry.

Find out more about Croatia’s entry requirements for travelers.

France

Booster requirements: For entry into France, all travelers over the age of 18 must receive a booster no more than nine months after your final dose of initial vaccination to be considered fully vaccinated. If it’s been more than nine months, you’ll need to let one week pass from the day you receive your booster to enter France. You’ll also need the booster to obtain a vaccine pass, which is required to enter many public locations in France.

Is a negative test required? No testing is required for vaccinated and boosted travelers.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? A certificate of recent recovery between 11 days and six months old can be used to enter France.

Find out more about COVID-19 restrictions and entry requirements in France.

Greece

Booster requirements: Greece considers a vaccine certificate valid for nine months after the completion of the initial vaccination series. After nine months, a booster shot is required to be considered fully vaccinated indefinitely. Proof of full vaccination is required to enter without testing and to visit many public locations while in Greece.

Is a negative test required? No testing is required if you have a valid vaccine certificate. If your vaccination is no longer valid, you must provide a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old or a rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours old.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? Proof of recovery issued at least 14 days after the day of the first positive COVID-19 test is accepted for entry for up to 180 days.

For the most up-to-date information, check the protocols for arrivals in Greece.

Iceland

Booster requirements: Travelers must show proof of full vaccination to enter Iceland. A full vaccination certificate is valid for 270 days (9 months) from the final dose of initial vaccination. A booster dose is required if more than nine months have passed since vaccination was completed.

Is a negative test required? All travelers are also required to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours before departure on the first leg of your journey to Iceland.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? If you’ve recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, you can present a positive PCR test that is older than seven days but no more than 180 days old.

Find out more information on Iceland’s entry requirements.

Israel

Booster requirements: A booster is required to be considered fully vaccinated in Israel if more than 180 days have passed since the final dose of initial vaccination. If you’ve just recently received your booster shot and it’s been more than 180 days since your previous shot, you’ll need to wait 14 days before you’re able to enter Israel.

Is a negative test required? A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before your flight to Israel or a rapid antigen test taken 24 hours before your flight is required for entry. Tests must be administered by a professional sampler (home tests are not allowed). It’s also required to take a PCR test at the airport upon arrival in Israel.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? If you’ve recently recovered from COVID-19, you can present a positive test result that was taken less than three months prior if at least eight days have passed since the date of the test.

Find out more information on Israel’s entry requirements.

Netherlands

Booster requirements: Like other European nations, the validity of your initial vaccine series ends 270 days after your final shot. A booster is required at least seven days before traveling to the Netherlands if it has been more than nine months since you completed your second dose (or first dose for single dose vaccines). A booster shot means you are exempt from quarantine, however, as of February 25, all vaccinated travelers arriving in the Netherlands will no longer be required to self-quarantine. 

Is a negative test required? A negative COVID-19 test is always needed for travelers arriving from outside the EU/Schengen area. This can be a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure or a rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before departure.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? You can travel to the Netherlands with proof of recovery when traveling from within the EU/Schengen area. You’ll need to have an EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC)-based proof of recovery. Proof of recovery from a country outside the DCC system is not valid for travel to the Netherlands (this includes the U.S. and the U.K.).

For more information, please visit the Netherland’s proof of vaccination page. You can also input the details of your trip to check exactly what you need to enter the Netherlands.

Singapore

Booster requirements: In order to enter Singapore without quarantine, you’ll need to apply for a pass to use the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). It doesn’t seem like a booster is necessarily required to enter the country, however, if it’s been 270 days since the last dose of your primary vaccination series, you’ll need a booster in order to be considered fully vaccinated, which is required to participate in activities. This applies to anyone over 18 years old and will also apply to children aged 12-17 starting March 14^th.

Is a negative test required? You will need to take a pre-departure PCR or professionally administered rapid antigen test taken within two days before departure. Starting February 21^st, you’ll also need to take a supervised self-administered rapid antigen test at a Quick Test Center or Combined Test Center within 24 hours of arrival in Singapore. This one test upon arrival is a replacement for daily testing, which is required for arrivals before February 21^st. 

Can you enter with proof of recovery? Fully vaccinated travelers who have recently recovered from a breakthrough case of COVID-19 do not need a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated and can present medical proof of infection in lieu of pre-departure test as long as the positive test result is between 7 – 90 days before departure to Singapore.

Find out more information on Singapore’s entry requirements.

Spain

Booster requirements: If more than 270 days (9 months) have passed since receiving the final dose of your primary COVID-19 vaccine series, you must show proof that you have received a booster shot at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain.

Is a negative test required? Vaccinated and boosted travelers do not require any testing to enter Spain. You will only need to fill out a health pass form to receive a QR code to show at check-in and upon arrival in Spain.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, you can present a certificate of recovery that is no more than 180 days after the date of the first positive test and no earlier than the 11^th day following the date of the positive test result.

Find out more on Spain’s entry requirements.

Switzerland

Booster requirements: Only fully vaccinated Americans can enter Switzerland for tourism. Your primary vaccine series is valid for 270 days from the date of the last shot. After that, you’ll need a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated.

Is a negative test required? No testing is required for vaccinated travelers.

Can you enter with proof of recovery? Switzerland only allows vaccinated Americans to enter the country at this time. Since testing is not required, a proof of recovery for visitors from outside the EU is not necessary and will not replace the requirement for the necessary vaccine and booster shots.
Find out more about Switzerland’s entry requirements. And to verify which rules apply to your specific situation, always start your search with the Swiss Government Travel Check Website.

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