January Travel - There's No Place Like Paradise

Tropical getaways are what vacation dreams are made of & January is the ideal time to book that winter vacation and escape to warmer climates!

Gearing up for any tropical destination is super exciting and in our opinion, Resort Wear is one of the many reasons why. We love all of the bright, chic pieces, the breathable fabrics, the neutral basics, and the endless bikini + cover-up options. Even better, these styles can take you from the pool, to the beach, to happy hour & to dinner.

'Resort, Cruise, Pre-Spring' - these names refer to a mid-season in the fashion industry between November and February where some may find themselves in need of two very specific wardrobes -- coats, jackets, and boots for daily use & second, a range of breezy, beautiful pieces to bring along on warm weather retreats.

"Resort” was a season originally targeted towards wealthy customers who spent their post-Holiday/New Year’s weeks in mostly warm weather climates. It all started in 1919 when Gabrielle Chanel realized that her affluent clients were taking mid-winter holidays in the Mediterranean and required a new wardrobe for their travels. Chanel ran up a collection of lightweight, easy-to-wear pieces suitable for a trip on a steamship, and the world’s first cruise collection came to life.

“Cruise collections really did start as a small capsule collection of clothing for a cruise or resort style vacation somewhere warm and sunny,” Sass Brown, founding dean of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation.

Almost all of our favorite tropical destinations are open and welcoming visitors. You’ll of course want to be mindful of ever-changing COVID-19 travel restrictions, rules and safety measures for each destination and take note of any cancellation policies.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite warm-weather places that are awaiting your arrival + their COVID-19 requirements:

1. Aruba - COVID-19 rules: Aruba requires a negative test from any visitor over 15 years old, or a test upon arrival. Citizens from quite a few US states also require “additional testing” and information is on the website linked below. You must also purchase Aruba visitors insurance from them, which runs about US$10 per day for most people.
2. Bahamas - COVID-19 rules: Visitors must apply for an online health visa for the Bahamas, which includes a negative test within 5 days of your arrival.
3. Bermuda - COVID-19 rules: Bermuda requires an application fee of $75 per passenger and also a negative Covid-19 PCR test result. Upon arrival you'll have to take another COVID test and then quarantine at their accommodation until the results are ready, which is usually within 24 hours.
4. Costa Rica - COVID-19 rules: Visitors from all US states will be allowed into Costa Rica as of November 1, 2021, and many states are allowed before that date. You'll need to complete a Health Pass and provide a negative test taken within 48 hours of travel. You'll also need to show that you have travel insurance, or buy it when you arrive.
5. Dominican Republic - COVID-19 rules: Arriving passengers have to fill out a health form, and anyone showing any symptoms is likely to get a screening at the airport.
6. Hawaii - A little more in depth, Hawaii's Pre-Travel Testing Program allows passengers to bypass the state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine period by taking a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from CLIA-certified laboratory within 72 hours of their arrival. Interstate travelers must upload their test results to the state's online Safe Travels form and complete a health questionnaire within 24 hours of departure. They’ll then receive a QR code via email to present to airport screeners upon arrival. Travelers are required to have their negative test results on hand prior to their departure if they want to skip Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine.
7. Jamaica - COVID-19 rules: All visitors 12 years and older must have a negative COVID test that is fewer than 10 days before the arrival date, and an application completed between 2 and 5 days before arrival.
8. Mexico - COVID-19 rules: Non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border restricted through January 21. Passengers and aircrew members arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks. Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine.
9. South Florida - As of January 3, Florida has no statewide travel restrictions in place for U.S. visitors       

Let’s not forget that for some, this month is a chance to hit the slopes and enjoy some mountain time, but for others (us included), it means soaking up all the sunshine we can on the beach, preferably with a cocktail in hand.

Whether you're in pursuit of sunshine or snow, eye-protection is a must and it's safe to say, we've got you covered for your next vacay.

As for us ... we’ll see you at the beach! Safe travels!

XO,

#lovevelvet