Antigua has been the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. Most visitors have come from Europe, but lately, it has been popping up on American radar. With the white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and extremely low Covid-19 rates, Antigua makes for an ideal paradise destination. While it may be tempting to hop a plane this afternoon, there are a few basic precautions you’ll want to follow while preparing for your trip.

Covid-19 Testing Before Travel to Antigua

First and foremost, you need to understand that the world is still in the middle of a pandemic, and while sunny shores await you in Antigua, you’ll first want to get tested for the Covid-19 virus. Not only will it set your mind at ease, but many destinations require visitors to have a negative test seven days prior to arriving. Requirements such as this are one of the reasons Caribbean hotspots consistently rank among the lowest Covid-19 rates of anywhere in the world.

Pack Your Facemask

In addition to getting tested before traveling, be sure to pack appropriately for new traveling guidelines. Obviously, masks are required wherever you go in the US, but they are also essential during travel and throughout your stay. Be prepared to wear your mask at all times on your flight. If for some reason you misplace your mask most airlines will provide you one for your flight.

Also, you should be prepared to wear your facemask at all times while in public in Antigua. Some popular locations can get crowded and social distancing isn’t always an option. During these times, for everyone’s health, it is required to wear a facemask.

Less-Obvious (but Important) Items to Pack

Beyond the changes to the travel routine, be prepared for vacation rentals and hotels to have updated policies that could impact your packing list.

For example, it is a good idea to pack your own personal items like beach towels. While it does eat away at your suitcase real estate, it is a small price to pay to stay safe on Antiguas picturesque white beaches.

For many Antiguan villa rentals, all in-house cleaning has been suspended while guests are staying. This means that housekeeping will be completed between guests, but not while you’re enjoying your little slice of paradise. So, to reduce possible exposure you’ll be responsible for cleaning your villa. If there is a nearby grocery store, you might want to add cleaning supplies to your list so that you can keep your place tidy and disinfected.

Stay Informed

Your health in these unprecedented times should always be your first concern. So, no matter where your adventurous spirit takes you, it’s important that you take all the necessary precautions for both yourself and anyone you may encounter on your trip. The importance of a negative Covid-19 test cannot be stressed enough. People that test positive or fail to receive a test at all will not be allowed to escape to the crystal-clear waters and picturesque sandy beaches of Antigua. Remember that in such unusual times, temporary guidelines and regulations are changing all of the time. For a list of frequently asked questions and consistently updated protocols for hotels and restaurants alike, visit https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/.