I am getting so many requests lately from clients looking for 2022 family vacation recommendations. While your big dream vacation may be put on hold for a little while longer, now is a great time to start thinking about where you want to travel with your family in 2022 and beyond.
With Covid-19 restrictions, it has been challenging for families to keep up with all the different travel requirements that are necessary before visiting each destination. Plus, all the safety protocols that are being implemented seem to change quite frequently.
I realize that every family has different comfort levels when it comes to traveling. For those who desire a change of scenery and a much needed escape, I have compiled a list of the top 5 family vacations to consider for 2022.
#1 Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort re-opened in July of 2020 and has been doing an incredible job of implementing safety procedures so that guests feel more comfortable while visiting “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
The Disney resorts, theme parks and Disney Springs have limited their capacity to help promote social distancing. Currently, guests are required to make “park reservations” prior to entering each theme park. This new procedure has allowed Disney to manage their crowd levels and customer experience.
Mask wearing is required indoors and on Disney's transportation for all guests 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status.
Disney has always been known for its cleanliness and safety and this priority has continued to be at the forefront of Disney's mission during the pandemic. Guest rooms are thoroughly cleaned in between guests, hand sanitizer stations are positioned before and after every attraction and innovative technology helps with less physical interaction and more social distancing.
While some activities like parades and character meet and greets may be temporarily modified, many guests have been extremely pleased with the new safety precautions.
#2 Universal Orlando Resort
Central Florida’s “other” famous theme park, Universal Orlando Resort is another great destination for families in 2022.
While indoor mask wearing is highly recommended but not enforced, Universal Orlando Resort still wants its guests to feel safe and comfortable during their stay.
Universal has also expanded its cleaning procedures, especially with high touchpoints. Additionally, you will find virtual queues for certain high demand attractions, contactless payments and other technological conveniences to support social distancing and reduced personal contact.
#3 Hawaii
The beautiful islands of Hawaii are open to visitors and provide a welcoming, clean and secluded space for those looking for relaxation and adventure.
At this time, travelers from the U.S. are no longer required to quarantine upon their arrival to Hawaii as long as they can show proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the final leg of their trip.
While the Centers for Disease Control has implemented a proof of vaccination or negative Covid test requirements for all passengers traveling to the United States from an international destination, this ruling does not apply to anyone traveling from Hawaii to the mainland. Guests who plan to visit multiple Hawaiian islands during their stay may now do so without restrictions or additional testing.
Like many hotels around the world, the resorts on the Hawaiian islands have limited their room capacities and modified their amenities to provide more safety for their guests. Most pools, beaches and parks have remained open, but certain resort amenities such as kids clubs and family activities have been temporarily suspended. For those looking to unwind, you’ll be happy to know that many resort spas have reopened, but you may find that specific services such as facials and soaking tubs are currently unavailable.
#4 Cancun
Cancun, Mexico was one of the first destinations to welcome visitors back in 2020. This region offers some of the best family-friendly accommodations featuring all-inclusive resorts, stunning beaches and lots of fun activities and entertainment.
During the summer of 2020, the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification was implemented by the local government with the goal of encouraging tourism service providers to adopt the highest-level sanitation standards for the containment and prevention of Covid-19. Thousands of hospitality and tourism operators have applied for this certification which requires them to declare their compliance with the program’s criteria for health security measures. Many resorts and tourism providers in the region have also introduced their own, internal health-and-safety programs as added precautions for their guests.
At this time, guests wishing to travel to Cancun will not be required to show proof of negative Covid testing nor will they have to be quarantined upon arrival (although, prior testing is highly recommended before you travel anywhere). To help guests with the convenience of needing a negative Covid test before returning to the United States, many Cancun resorts have been offering complimentary onsite testing. For many travelers, there’s no need to leave your resort to find a local testing site!
#5 Rental homes
For those looking to maintain more stringent social distancing practices, a rental home is an excellent idea for families looking to take a vacation in 2022. Whether you are looking for a beach house, ski rental or a peaceful mountain setting, rental homes are an excellent choice for families who desire a change of scenery while remaining comfortable in their own “bubble.”
Due to the high demand for rental homes in the last year, I have aligned myself with some incredible rental home suppliers who offer properties with multiple bedrooms, full-size kitchens and even private pools! As a matter of fact, you can even rent your own private island in Bora Bora - as long as you have the proper documentation to enter French Polynesia of course.
Many of these rental properties are thoroughly vetted by reputable suppliers and offer a variety of accommodations that cannot be found on popular rental property websites.
At the end of the day, every family needs to make their own decision about if and how they want to travel in 2022 and beyond.
These top 5 suggestions are just some ways you can make memories with your family while you wait to make that big (and much needed) family vacation!
Lissa Ryan is a Senior Travel Advisor with Kingdom Destinations specializing in luxurious family vacations. Lissa helps busy parents who want to create travel memories with their families through luxury travel experiences, but are too busy or overwhelmed with all the effort and research that is required to plan that perfect vacation.
For more information or to schedule a consultation to discuss a luxury family vacation, please contact lissa@kingdomdestinations.com.
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