COVID-19 and tourism: Where can U.S. citizens travel? – WFLA

by: Reem Ikram, Nexstar Media Wire

NEW YORK AUGUST 24 : A Boeing 757-2Q8 operated by Delta Airlines takes off from JFK Airport on August 24, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX) After a year of sheltering from COVID-19, many are anxious to get back out and explore the world. But with the global pandemic still limiting travel, which vacation destinations should U.S. travelers be considering?

Since the pandemic began spreading across the globe in 2019, over 146 million people have been infected and over 3 million have died worldwide. Countries responded with strict travel advisories and regulations, making it seemingly impossible to visit and plan excursions.

The CDC loosened travel guidelines earlier this month for some Americans as U.S. vaccinations increase and COVID-19 cases fall from highs earlier this year. In new guidance issued on April 2, the CDC stated:

The agency also notes the potential for virus variants around the world and urges caution when traveling internationally.

The U.S Department of State has created a color-coded map with its travel recommendations ranging from do not travel in red to exercise normal precautions in white. While Greenland is one of the only major tourist destinations in the safest category, here are some travel options in the second tier, exercise increased caution

The do not travel classification includes, among others:

There are also some countries and territories that are allowing tourists to enter, but only under specific guidelines. Here is a list of a few destinations with stricter requirements travelers can visit according to Kayak:

For more information on places you can travel, check your desired countrys local embassy website, the U.S Department of State website, or visit Kayak.

See the article here:

COVID-19 and tourism: Where can U.S. citizens travel? - WFLA