Last month I tool my first international trip in over eighteen months. This was the first time I had crossed the Atlantic since Covid began.
Even though I am vaccinated Morocco, as many other countries, require a negative Covid test before they allow you on the plane. Some countries require the best to be done 72 hours before you arrive others seven days. This is a fluid situation and just one of the many reasons to use a Travel Agent.
For Morocco, their 72 hours meant 72 hours before I landed, not from the time my flight departed. I did my test Friday morning at 10am and had my results by 7pm that evening. Some airlines are requiring you to print your results and others will accept a screen shot on your phone. I printed two copies of mine as I thought that was better than handing my phone to other people. They checked my results at the airport in the USA and then at least three times once I arrived in Casablanca.
Whilst checking in at JFK airport with Royal Air Marco I was surprised at the number of people without Covid tests. Fortunately, most airports do offer testing but you pay a much higher price. My test was free through my insurance rather than the $150 at the airport.
Masks are required throughout the airport and whilst on the plane. The only time you can remove them is when you are actively eating or drinking. Most people are very good at obeying this, although on my return I did notice several people with their masks under their chin.
I took disposable masks with me so that after the flight I could just throw them away rather than try to wash them. I also made sure I had an extra mask, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. I was given an individually wrapped wipe on each of the flights by the airline but I was glad I brought my own.
Even though they say the planes are cleaned and disinfected after every flight I don't feel like they did a great job. I wiped down the armrest, TV and tray as soon as I got to my seat. On my return flight, I found trash in my tray so I knew it haven't been thoroughly cleaned before take off.
Returning to the USA requires another Covid test within three days of your return. This can be arranged in just about any country but you do have to pay for it. For me, The Four Seasons in Marrakesh, where I was staying, arranged for me to take my test at the hotel. The test was done in the morning before we left for the day and the results were delivered to my room that evening. The cost of the test was $80 which I paid directly to the hotel.
Even though traveling during Covid requires some extra steps and some extra money it is a great time to travel. The world is slowly opening up but it will take time. For me, the best part was traeling and seeing the sights without crowds. When we visited the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca we were the only people there. Normally this area is full with tourists.
Now is the perfect time to travel so you are "Far from the Maddening Crowds"
