Relying on the experts has never been more important. From the latest in travel guidelines to the health standards of our partners, Mirae Travels is equipped with the knowledge you need to travel confidently and responsibly. In order to help guide your future travel decisions, we’ve vetted all of the current worldwide destinations open to U.S. travelers.Below you’ll find these seven international vacation spots broken down by their unique travel requirements, health precautions, and best of all, what makes it a wonderfully unique destination. 

Dominican Republic 

What Makes It Amazing 

Touted as the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, the Dominican Republic is a lush tropical island filled with rich culture and gorgeous scenery. Spend a day on one of the 600 miles of beaches, dance to the distinct beat of the merengue, explore ancient relics, splash around under a waterfall, or play a round of golf with an epic coastline as your backdrop. From larger cities celebrating Carnival to the 16th century replica village of Altos de Chavon, there’s so much to do you’ll keep coming back for more. 

Travel Requirements 

Travelers arriving to the Dominican Republic do not need to present proof of a COVID-19 test, however visitors may be subject to on-site testing. If found positive, a mandated quarantine will be required. Americans and other foreign visitors entering the country before December 31st, 2020, will have a traveler assistance plan provided at the time of check-in at the hotel or resort. This includes emergencies in case of a COVID-19 infection. 

Health Precautions 

Social distancing by residents and visitors is required, including at beaches (which remain accessible). Face masks are mandatory at all indoor public places. All large events are prohibited, and entertainment venues such as casinos, nightclubs, and theatres remain closed.

Aruba

What Makes It Amazing 

Conveniently located outside of the hurricane belt and with one of the lowest amounts of rainfall in the Southern Caribbean, visitors to Aruba can expect beautiful weather all year long. Soak up the sun on a white-sand beach in the morning, explore a rugged desert with tall green cacti and limestone cliffs before lunch, browse the colorful Dutch shops of Oranjestad in the afternoon, and snorkel the delicate reefs of Mangel Halto before the sun sets. 

Travel Requirements 

All visitors traveling to Aruba are required to complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation card and be approved in order to be permitted entry to Aruba. The online card includes basic traveler information, health information, PCR testing information, purchase of the Aruba Visitors Insurance, and consent to Aruba government COVID-19 mandates.Visitors from the U.S. residing various ‘hotspot’ states must take a COVID-19 PCR test at their own expense within the 72-hour period prior to their departure and take another COVID-19 test at their own expense upon arrival. The traveler must remain in quarantine while they await test results. All other visitors have the option of taking a PCR test upon arrival in Aruba or they can upload the COVID-19 PCR test during the 72-hour window. 

Health Precautions 

Thanks to its public health protocols, Aruba boasts very low COVID-19 cases. A nightly curfew from midnight until 5:00am has been extended until further notice. Beach weddings are permitted with a maximum of 25 people and proper social distancing maintained. Spa services are allowed to reopen as well. Masks are required in public places including public transit.

Cancun 

What Makes It Amazing 

Along with Cancun’s sapphire waters, white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets, you’ll get to experience markets filled with handcrafted goods, luxury resorts and spas, decadent international cuisine, and countless options for all types of water activities. From exploring the world-famous Mayan ruins (just a day trip away) touring the majestic mangroves, your epic adventures await. 

Travel Requirements 

Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open, however the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form. 

Health Precautions 

Tourist destinations in Cancun are opening gradually with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places and public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators are all abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located), hotels and parks are permitted at 25 percent capacity. 

Los Cabos 

What Makes It Amazing 

An ideal location for anyone who wants to check off as many activities as possible, Los Cabos offers plenty of experiences for the thrill seeker. Beyond the typical snorkeling and surfing, you can also swim with whale sharks, zipline 300 feet above washed-out canyons, ride camels on the beach, and rock climb the Sierra de Laguna Dry Forest for some amazing views. 

Travel Requirements 

Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open, however the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form. 

Health Precautions 

Tourist destinations in Los Cabos are opening gradually with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places and public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators are all abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is located), hotels and parks are permitted at 25 percent capacity. 

Jamaica 

What Makes It Amazing 

Whether you’re looking to get back to nature or immerse yourself into the music and culture scene, Jamaica is an island with something for everyone. Discover breathtaking landscapes as you wade in the pools at Dunn’s River Falls, swim in the bioluminescent waters outside of Montego Bay, or board a bamboo raft and drift down a river through the lush island rainforest. 

Travel Requirements 

Anyone traveling to Jamaica must submit a government travel authorization form, which includes health information, immigration, and customs forms, with in 24 hours of the travel date. Keep a copy of it handy, as you’ll need to present it when you check in or board your flight. In addition, all travelers ages 12 and older must upload a valid COVID-19 test taken no more than 10 days before your arrival. Visitors staying at locations outside the Resilient Corridors (stretching from Negril through Port Antonio) are required to remain on the property during their stay. 

Health Precautions 

Theme parks and zoos are open during reduced hours, but water sports and amusement parks are currently closed. Markets, pharmacies, and other shops are open, however non-essential businesses, including salons and nightclubs, are closed until further notice. No more than 15 people are allowed to gather at any site. 

Riviera Maya 

What Makes It Amazing 

You can swim alongside sea turtles in Akumal, zipline into the sacred subterranean caverns of LabnHa Eco Park, swim within the world’s three longest-running underwater cave systems, and visit the impressive, world-famous ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. Of course, while the Riviera Maya is buzzing with activities, you can always end the day on a beachside hammock with your favorite cocktail as the sun sets into the sea. 

Travel Requirements 

Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open, however the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form.Health PrecautionsTourist destinations in Riviera Maya are opening gradually with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places and public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators are all abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Quintana Roo (where Riviera Maya is located), hotels and parks are permitted at 25 percent capacity. 

St. Lucia 

What Makes It Amazing 

Unique culinary creations, breathtaking scenery, and lively culture guarantee a trip to St. Lucia is an adventure for the senses. Learn how cocoa pods are harvested into chocolate, partake in a traditional fish fry, or visit the Castries Market at the islands capital to discover everything from unique spice blends to exotic homegrown fruits. St. Lucia also hosts several renowned annual celebrations, like the lively Carnival and the Jazz festival. 

Travel Requirements 

All travelers visiting St. Lucia are required to have a negative result from a PCR test within seven days of travel, as well as the completion of a pre-arrival registration form. In addition, all arriving passengers will be screened, including temperature checks. 

Health Precautions 

All restaurants are open for take-out or delivery service only, as seated service is currently prohibited. Hotels that have completed certification are allowed to reopen. Over 20 properties have been certified so far, and you can find the growing list here. In addition, masks are required in public places, with a few exceptions such as your resort’s pool. 

For up-to-date information, visit our parent company Flight Centre Travel Group’s COVID-19 Travel Map. Advisors, if you have any questions, always feel free to contact us. More important than ever, the travel experts at Mirae Travels are equipped with advice and information to help you travel confidently and responsibly. If you’re a traveler with a question, please reach out to your Mirae Travels consultant for more information. Let's build memories one vacation at a time!

When it comes to vacations you can either plan in advance or go at the last minute. Most of the time people prepare early, and for good reason. Whether it’s needing exact dates to fit your family’s calendar or because you’re attending a specific event, getting everything sorted out months in advance is the way to go. But that doesn’t mean last-minute trips should be completely off the table. There are plenty of reasons to book a few weeks or even just a few days ahead of time. Here are just a few: 

The Thrill

Dropping everything to jet off on an unexpected getaway is the type of impromptu move that inspires envy in us all. For those who live a little more unscripted on a regular basis it’s easier to book at the last minute than those who shun spur-of-the-moment decisions. Yet the reality is that everyone can benefit from a little spontaneity now and then. There’s a rush that comes from throwing caution to the wind and making plans for the thrill of it. Last minute travel planning may mean you won’t get the same resort you’ve gone to every year or the four-star restaurant you want to try is booked solid. But you’ll end up with an experience that’s just as amazing because sometimes the best moments in life come from the unforeseen.

That Last Minute Deal

Although planning in advance delivers the comfort in knowing everything—from your airplane seat to the hotel room’s view—exactly the way you want it, last-minute travel can mean cashing in on some great deals. It’s not always a guarantee, but if you’re flexible in your flight times and hotel stays, you’ll have a good chance to see savings. Mirae Travels works along with our partners to secure last-minute vacation offers. And when you book a vacation package through Mirae Travels, you won’t have to spend hours researching resorts with availability or hunting down the best possible airfare. Your Mirae Travels consultant handle everything, so you can just relish in the excitement and exhilaration of escaping on a last-minute vacation.

Relax and ReCharge

Some trips are those big annual events that are on the calendar simply to check off the vacation box. But there are other times when you just simply need to get away from reality for a bit. Whether work has been super stressful and you know recharging on a beach will help improve your productivity, relatives have graciously offered to watch your kids, or you simply could use a mental break from your day-to-day life, sometimes you need to get away from it all. If you’re scrolling through photos of all the places you’d rather be rather than where you are, maybe it’s time to act on that impulse.

The More You Know 

From the weather to destination restrictions and rules, waiting until the eleventh hour to prepare for a trip means you’ll ultimately have more knowledge about where to go and what to do. Right now, both within the U.S. and in international destinations the guidelines are changing regularly. It’s hard to know what will be happening months down the line. But a last-minute trip planned with the expertise and up-to-date travel knowledge our travel advisors at Mirae Travels have, along with Flight Centre Travel Group’s COVID-19 Travel Map gives you the confidence you need.Then there’s the forecast. No matter where you’re planning to go, it’s always a gamble on what the weather will be like. This is especially true for outdoor-oriented vacations when you’re hoping for plenty of sun so you can hit the beach or need days of snow beforehand so the slopes have the perfect powder. Although forecasts aren’t always completely accurate, they’ll give you a better idea of the big picture. And a quick getaway to experience the perfect four day weekend can be planned in less than a week.