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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241675
12/05/2020 11:08 PM
12/05/2020 11:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,270 Boynton Beach, FL
EdB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,270
Boynton Beach, FL
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Lesley, It isn't as much paranoia than it is caution for safety. It is the same here as it is there. Some people wear masks during this pandemic, others think that it's not important, and don't care to. I have my reservations for my annual three weeks come mid march, but still not sure or positive we will make it. Health concerns are real. Safety is real. No matter how much precaution someone takes, you still don't know about the person next to you on the plane or the person standing near you in line at the airport, or the cleanliness of the plane, or a number or other reasons one can have. Your comment about why some are paranoid, while others are there brings me back to my parents statements often growing up "Just because Johnny or whoever does something doesn't mean that you have to do it too". It is paraphrasing, but I think you can catch my drift. God, i hope and pray that we can all get this thing behind us, and return to some sort of ''normalcy''...here at home, and also world wide!! I miss the island so much, and still feel cheated about losing my last two weeks there from last year. We were one of the last leaving before the shutdown, and looking back at it now, it was for the best. In spite of how much I hated being told we should leave. Will the island ever recover from the hurricanes and then from covid? I sure hope so, you islanders have surely been tested the last few years. Hoping as season progresses, the masses return, the cash registers ring, and life becomes good again!! Happy Holidays to All.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241678
12/06/2020 02:13 AM
12/06/2020 02:13 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 965
CrazyCanuxx
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 965
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I can't speak for other Canadians, but from my perspective it is not paranoia.. and I would do almost anything to get on a plane anytime soon... I am out of pocket $300-$400Cad (depends on lab) for a Covid test, and upon my return to Canada my employer requires two more weeks of quarantine.. that's two weeks of no pay/use up more vacay. (for perspective a return flight precovid used to cost as low as $750)
The next issue is that our airlines either cancel flights (How long will the refund take? how many hours do I wait on the phone?), or the layovers are painful. During Covid, I am NEVER stopping over in the states to make a connection. Just not going to happen. Some flight paths do not give me an option, that is on the few days a week the airlines fly out of Toronto. For me, I have a 4+ hour flight to Toronto... and I refuse to stop anywhere that does not, well.. nevermind... I am not flying into the states prior to SXM. The risk is far to high. One stopover, is one to many during this pandemic, let alone two! (for perspective our land borders (between Canada and USA) are closed to tourism since March 2020.)
Then there is the health aspect. If I fall ill in SXM (and I know the risk is far lower than my hometown), I am at SXM health care's mercy until I recover. This is an unknown, and I feel more comfortable at my local hospital if I have to stay for an extended period. After all, we have free medical and I don't have to deal with travel insurance and other unknowns (financial, health, rebooking flights, quarantining once home, employer, to name a few).
So, the financial impact plus the hoops I have to overcome, makes that me, and those I know who travel, have chosen not to risk our health, our finances or our jobs.
On the other side of the coin, our airlines are offering covid insurance and Westjet is offering airport covid tests.. I have no information on the policy or process. Also, though I cannot confirm, I believe the airlines are only now offering refunds. Up until lately we were only offered credits.
I so miss OB. I would love to support SXM as SXM has delivered happiness in every one of my eight vacays but alas, it is not possible. Maybe sometime next year... but not at this rate. I do promise that my first trip after my two vaccines will be to support those in SXM who have done so much to support tourists over the years. The friendly island.
So you see, it is not paranoia, it is the process and the risks. It is complicated.
Stay healthy my friends. I think of you often and I wish you all the best. Someday, we shall meet again.
Bless!
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241680
12/06/2020 06:55 AM
12/06/2020 06:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545
Ohio
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Hello Folks , Why are people so paranoid of visiting our Island while in meanwhile a lot of others Folks are coming ? Lesley, with all due respect, true paranoia (being paranoid) is a mental health condition but I do understand where you are coming from. Kind of like here in the states, some will choose to go out to restaurants (if they are in an area where they can be open) and some will not. Some will choose to travel and some will not and some states have "advisories", some have "orders" and other restrictions when it comes to travel into or out of particular states. We were supposed to go to Pennsylvania next weekend for a dog event but due to their travel/entry "order", the state of Ohio travel "advisory" and restrictions my wife's employer is trying to impose, we chose to cancel. Too much could go wrong. I would have in SXM and rented a vehicle from you last month had it not been for multiple things happening that were totally out of my control. We had air at a good price and a decent schedule, we had lodging booked, car rental booked and were looking forward to seeing friends and relaxing. I had no "reservations" about coming to SXM, but between Delta cancelling our flights and the hoops SXM required (and these were constantly changing at that time and are still changing), it was too much. I could have rebooked with Delta at a higher fare, lost 2 days of what we had originally planned, my wife would have not been able to take advantage of a work holiday, and then the final dealbreaker was Delta requiring us to overnight in Atlanta. Throw in the Covid testing hassle and not knowing for sure what the SXM requirements would be, we threw in the towel for November, but I am hopeful for March. You also have the INCONSISTENT at best SXM entry requirements, test acceptance/rejection and what some have to go through to get approved. The SXM Health approval seems to approve one person of the couple but reject the other in many cases. This happened with pat recently and had it not been for her persistence and the persistence of kim, she and John may not be there now. I know another couple who went through the same thing. You have a couple who take the exact same test, submit negative results and yet one is approved and the other is denied. There has been confusion over testing requirements, which tests are acceptable with some home tests (clearly stated as NOT being acceptable on the SXM EHAS site) apparently making it through yet others being rejected. I know SXM is starting to accept a broader range of tests (which should help people who want to travel be able to do so) but overall, the process of getting to SXM has not been easy. A lot of people in the US are scared and a lot are being cautious but still living their life the best they can. Until things settle down, it is going to remain like this and it is going to impact travel. Best of luck to you, the island and our island friends who we KNOW are being severely impacted.You asked the same question back on August 22 and while some things have improved, others have not although it does appear a vaccine is much closer now. My guess is you will get about the same responses here as you did back in August. PREVIOUS DISCUSSION
J.D.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241703
12/06/2020 09:40 AM
12/06/2020 09:40 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Hello Folks , Why are people so paranoid of visiting our Island while in meanwhile a lot of others Folks are coming ? No paranoia here, Lesley, but we still had and have serious concerns but we also felt the mental need to get away and where better than here? But it’s been a very different kind of trip for us - no hugs for long time friends; no indoor dining choosing open air situations instead; no getting together with larger groups of friends and actually staying very much to ourselves this trip. Fortunately, BSV is on its own beach where we have our own chairs and close access to our own bathrooms as needed; and the use of a very under-used pool here on site. We’ve mostly limited our dining out to dinners and at places we’ve felt comfortable with so I don’t really think of these measures as paranoia but more as the opportunity to enjoy our lives as best we can under these circumstances but still try to be as personally responsible as the times will allow. The airports and planes are probably cleaner than they’ve ever been and that’s a plus as well. And I guess, we are fatalists in that we believe in the end, what’s meant to be will be. Ques sera, sera? We practice within reason all the safety measures at home but life has to go on. And for us and perhaps for others as well, the hardest part of coming was the testing and entry requirements involved and while I’m not advocating doing away with any of them, I think the SXM government needs to be clarify and simplify so all potential visitors can get through these processes without the involved stress we and so many others had to cope with. Edited to add: and in our case, after having four other trips this year cancelled, we had to make this one happen or it would have broken our personal streak of 47+ years of consecutive annual trips. Now 48 and holding......and waiting for April and year 49.
Last edited by pat; 12/06/2020 09:57 AM.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Mikel]
#241724
12/06/2020 11:52 AM
12/06/2020 11:52 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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Mikel--you are right, the hoops that many have gone through are just tremendous. Hopefully everything works out for you. And any trip report is much appreciated!!!
Carol Hill
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Mikel]
#241725
12/06/2020 11:58 AM
12/06/2020 11:58 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,545
Ohio
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Correct, it is much more than booking air, hotel, rental car, etc. Multiple hoops, distractions, requirements, deadlines, frustrations, concerns and last minute changes all add to the situation. It sure is not like it used to be. Good luck on January.
J.D.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241760
12/06/2020 08:42 PM
12/06/2020 08:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,892 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,892
Portland, OR
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As others have said, it's not paranoia: it's acting in an abundance of caution. Living on the West Coast, my flight requires three legs with an overnight. With the virus counts being so high in Florida, that wasn't someplace I wanted to overnight at this time. And also as others have said, it's very difficult to find a place to even GET a test if it's travel-related, much less getting the results back in time. I was scheduled to be there for five weeks, and it's breaking my heart to not be there. But not traveling now was the right decision for me. I applaud the others who have made it work for them. I am presently planning on four weeks in June and hope I can get vaccinated prior to that trip.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: jazzgal]
#241762
12/06/2020 08:44 PM
12/06/2020 08:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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Linda--We will only be 12 days in June, not 4 weeks, but definitely hope we will be able to get vaccinated prior to the trip. Right now, there are just too many variables and too much risk for us...
Carol Hill
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241763
12/06/2020 08:45 PM
12/06/2020 08:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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And I sincerely hope it works out for you, Linda. This trip has so far been so enjoyable for us. Different from what we normally do but still wonderful.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241783
12/07/2020 08:08 AM
12/07/2020 08:08 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313
Vancouver, WA
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This has been an interesting thread to read, I really appreciate all the reasons to go and not to go and most of all that nobody is attacking those that go. We are here, enjoying this island as much as we ever have in the past. I miss the hugs, the kiss greetings, and I miss the businesses that have not been able to reopen yet and the people associated with them. Beyond that the lack of crowds, less traffic, and as I have previously stated we feel more appreciated and welcome than ever before.
We are staying together in a smaller group (a great group I might add) this year, not going out and meeting with as many others as we have in the past and that also takes away a bit of a normal trip but I can say that it was worth the trip here and we are booked to be back in April.
I thank all those associated with the rush to find a vaccine for this, pretty incredible what is being done.
Cheers from SXM, live your life! Todd
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241790
12/07/2020 09:24 AM
12/07/2020 09:24 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,430 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,430
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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In addition to all the reasons others have mentioned, I've also read of multiple people who submitted all of the required paperwork and were denied multiple times, even though everything was appropriate. Of our group, every single couple had at least one denial, and had to resubmit, some while waiting at the airport to board their flight. Add to that, the problem of employers requiring quarantine after returning home, states imposing lockdown, and the uncertainty of airline schedules, I completely understand some people cancelling. We are here and are enjoying ourselves. I do feel safer here than I do at home, mostly because most everything is outdoors.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Todd]
#241794
12/07/2020 10:20 AM
12/07/2020 10:20 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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Todd--there is no reason for anyone to attack anyone else over their decision to go or not. This is a very personal decision, which everyone must make for themselves. We who are at home are certainly envious of the fact that others are there, but we certainly also wish you the very best trip, after all the hoops to get there!
Carol Hill
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#241795
12/07/2020 10:27 AM
12/07/2020 10:27 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313
Vancouver, WA
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Carol, I certainly agree but it happens regarding any travel and I get pretty tired of it. There is only a right answer for yourself.
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241796
12/07/2020 10:28 AM
12/07/2020 10:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,588
MotownTim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,588
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I would rather wait until it’s extremely safe to go rather than be wondering if I was exposed in the taxi, at the Detroit airport, on the plane, in the Atlanta airport, on the second plane, at the SXM airport, in the taxi to the rental office, at the rental car office, any time I have to shop for groceries, at any beach, bar or restaurant I go to in SXM, at the rental office returning the car, at the SXM airport, on the first plane, in the Atlanta airport again through customs and immigration, on the second plane, at the Detroit airport and in the taxi ride home. Besides that I’m not nervous at all.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241802
12/07/2020 10:59 AM
12/07/2020 10:59 AM
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144 Washington, DC/SXM
Angelface
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
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Just seconding what many people have said here, and I consider myself fortunate. I live in an area where it is relatively easy for me to get an approved covid test within the 5 day period (for now, the wait times are creeping back up). I came down with my kiddo, my brother and his family and we stayed at Happy Bay Villa over thanksgiving. My parents and sister (who is staying with them for the winter from her home in Italy) came and spent their days with us because we could be outside all day and not inside an enclosed space.
But I traveled without my husband, because he would have had to take an additional 2 weeks off and quarantine before being allowed back to work, and he couldn't do that. Many other people face similar obstacles.
I am hoping to come back next year a few times and spend more time with my parents. Maybe even be able to hug them once a vaccine is available lol. All of this is so hard, and it makes me so sad to see the island so slow. But for those on the fence about traveling, not because of logistical or health reasons, but because you're not sure what to expect - I think you can expect the same wonderful island, just without as many people.
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: MotownTim]
#241803
12/07/2020 11:10 AM
12/07/2020 11:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,862
Central Florida!
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Tim--Yes, you are very correct. I worry about the journey, not when I finally arrive in SXM..
Carol Hill
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Re: Why being scared coming to Sxm
[Re: Kennys]
#241820
12/07/2020 01:59 PM
12/07/2020 01:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562 Long Island, NY
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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My answer will be short and sweet. We have no desire to get on an airplane for over 4 hours! That is the big key.
Rick and Grace
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