In An Abundance of Caution!

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Hawaii has implemented some of the strictest travel restrictions seen across the U.S. Now, as the state continues the slow but steady reopening of its tourism industry, officials are changing its rules for vaccinated travelers.

Hawaii is potentially creating a vaccine passport that would allow vaccinated visitors to enter without needing to quarantine. According to Hawaii News Now, the program could start as early as March 1 and would likely start with in-state essential workers who received the full dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

The new system would give fully vaccinated travelers an electronic code granting them access to travel throughout the Aloha State, Lt. Gov. Josh Green told Hawaii News Now. Green says he’s hopeful the program will allow inter-island flights without quarantine by April 1, adding that the program could potentially expand to mainland travelers by May 1.

“This is the way we restore our economy very quickly,” Green said. “We would likely see a huge uptick in visitors by, say, the fall this way.”

Currently, Hawaii has a mandatory quarantine in place for travelers. Visitors can only skip this requirement if they prove a negative COVID-19 test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours of their arrival.

To entice would-be travelers who wouldn’t have the time or money to quarantine upon arrival, several airlines, including United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and American Airlines, have introduced pre-flight testing programs for passengers.

While most Hawaiian islands are participating in the states pre-arrival testing program, the island of Kauai is sticking to its stricter regulations, requiring visitors to test negative with a pre-travel test, stay at an approved “resort bubble” property, and then test negative for a second time more than 72 hours after their arrival.

Hawaii is not the only destination to change its travel requirements for vaccinated visitors. Several countries, including Romania, Poland, and Georgia, have already lifted quarantine requirements for travelers, while other cities and countries are exploring options to create a vaccine passport.

She awaits you.

Virgin Voyages Is Giving Away 2,021 Cruises Through Its “Shiploads of Love” Campaign.

After a tough year dealing with the ongoing pandemic, Virgin Voyage helps people show their appreciation for the loved ones who have supported them in these difficult times.

With its new “Shiploads of Love” promise, the lifestyle cruise company announced that it will give away 2,201 voyages over a year-long period, starting with 1,000 cruises up for grabs right now. To snag a free cruise for a friend, family member, or whoever you think is deserving of a free getaway, all you have to do is nominate them through the Virgin Voyages website.

“This initiative is meant to pay tribute to those who have impacted our lives in a meaningful way,” Virgin Voyages said in an announcement. “No good deed is too small, and no individual is to be overlooked. Love and beauty exist in the eye of the beholder, including our unsung heroes, who have shown us that their embrace makes the world a better place.” She awaits you.

Virgin Voyages also explained that the giveaway would be part of a “multilayered” effort that will last in 2021. And since this promotion is all about showing love and appreciation for others, the giveaway began on Valentine’s Day.

To enter, participants must submit a short video sharing their personal nomination. The video must explain why their nominee deserves to sail on the cruise line’s Shipload of Love voyage. Submissions are open now through March 16, 2021.

For a chance to win other cabin giveaways in the coming weeks, participants can share the news about the Shipload of Love initiative across their personal social media channels.

“Serving as a tribute to those who have lifted us, taken care of us and our loved ones, and those who have brought positivity into the world, this giveaway is the perfect kickoff to showing our appreciation,” the company said. “Virgin Voyages believes in the wanderlust of travel and knows that the time to seek adventure is on the horizon.”

To nominate someone special for this free sailing, head over to the Virgin Voyages website and spread the love.

Cover Photo Courtesy of Virgin Voyages.