While COVID-19 is still ravaging its way through much of the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also warns Americans against traveling to other countries also suffering from high caseloads of the virus. The latest advisory from the government agency now lists Mexico as a country that Americans should avoid.

The CDC classifies countries on a scale, with Level 4 representing the highest warning level. Currently, the agency has placed Mexico on its Level 4 destination list, meaning there is a “very high” level of COVID-19 transmission.

Mexico has always been a favorite vacation spot among American travelers but grew popular during the pandemic. The country kept its doors open with few entry requirements, while other nations shut Americans out. Although the CDC advises against all unnecessary travel to Mexico, the agency has also recommended that travelers be “up to date with [their] COVID-19 vaccines. Before they travel” if they decide to make the trip to Mexico or anywhere else internationally.

Mexico is not alone on the Level 4 warning list. Other destinations classified with the CDC’s highest warning level include Anguilla, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, French Guiana, Kosovo, Moldova, Paraguay, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Singapore, and the Philippines. Tourist hot spots such as Canada, Aruba, Spain, Italy, and France are also on the list. 

There are 128 destinations classified as a Level 4 risk, meaning they each report over 500 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last 28 days. Though the CDC is warning against travel to several countries, the U.S. still ranks highest of new infections and deaths per day, according to Reuters’ global COVID-19 tracker. 

These warnings also come as more countries are opening to tourists in coming months, including the Philippines (starting Feb. 10), Morocco (Feb. 7), and perhaps even Australia, as hinted by one of the country’s government officials. 

Click here for a complete list of countries on the CDC advisory lists.

Snowstorms and freezing temperatures have been bulldozing their way through much of the U.S. in the last few weeks, leaving more people to dream of a warm-weather getaway that would cure the winter blues.  

With a bit of luck, that dream could become a reality thanks to Puerto Rico’s latest giveaway. 

Now through Feb. 8, travelers can enter a sweepstake to win a free trip to Puerto Rico. Hosted by Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s official tourism website, the grand prize up for grabs is a 3-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico with round-trip flights provided by JetBlue. 

The expansive resort welcomes guests into a tropical paradise with ocean views as far as the eye can see; a lagoon-style pool complete with a swim-up bar; as well as tennis courts, and a golf course for those who like to stay active while on vacation. 

When guests aren’t sinking their toes in the sand or enjoying a dip in the sea, the resort’s proximity to the Carabali Rainforest makes it easy for them to have a new adventure. In the rainforest, they can take a leisurely horseback ride along a river or get their adrenaline pumping on the back of an ATV.  

“Puerto Rico is the perfect destination to trade-in the cold winter months and lack of sunlight for a warm getaway with plenty of vibrant sunshine,” said Leah Chandler, Discover Puerto Rico’s chief marketing officer, in a statement. 

To be eligible for this giveaway, travelers must live in the contiguous United States or Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, those in Hawaii or Alaska are not eligible to win. 

For your chance to win this contest, head to Discover Puerto Rico’s website and fill out the form with your basic information by Feb. 8. Winners will be randomly selected through a drawing on Feb. 10. 

As Spain increases efforts to curb coronavirus cases, travelers headed to the country will soon be required to show proof of having received a COVID-19 booster dose.  

The new regulation goes into effect starting Feb. 1 and will affect most international travelers, including those from the U.S. According to Spain’s tourism website, travelers must show proof of a booster dose if over 270 days have passed since their final initial vaccination series was administered. They must also have taken the booster shot at least 14 days before entering Spain. If less than 270 days have passed, travelers may enter without proof of a booster shot.  

In addition to this new booster rule, travelers are still required to fill out the Spain Health Control form, which is available through the Spain Travel Health portal or on the Spain Travel Health app. Once in Spain, all visitors must comply with the country’s other safety protocols, which mandate the use of face coverings both inside and outdoors.  

According to Reuters’ COVID-19 tracker, Spain averages about 78,561 cases per day or 1,168 infections per 100,000 people reported in the last seven days. This data places the country on the CDC’s “Level 4” travel advisory list, the highest warning possible. They classified destinations as “Level 4” if they reported over 500 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last 28 days. 

Requiring booster shots to access specific destinations or public places is becoming increasingly common. The Hawaiian island of Maui, for example, has already changed the definition of “fully vaccinated” to include a booster shot. The rest of the state considers adding a booster requirement to its Safe Travels program. Meanwhile, in New York City, the Metropolitan Opera now requires proof of a COVID-19 booster shot for all performers, employees, and audience members. Internationally, both Israel and France require booster shots for their country’s health passes, which allow people to access restaurants, public transportation, and other public areas.  

The pandemic forced millions of people worldwide to work from home, and though that came with its challenges, it also has its perks. No commuting, a relaxed dress code, and remote working mean you can work from anywhere in the world. 

To help remote workers get out of the house and enjoy a well-deserved work-cation, online travel agency KAYAK is hosting the Roam Remotely Sweepstakes, giving one lucky person $10,000 to go on a trip and work from anywhere in the world. 

The winning remote worker will be given four AMEX cards, each worth $2,500, so they can pick their destination and spend their prize money as they see fit. 

Entering the Roam Remotely Sweepstakes is easy. Interested remote workers only have to fill out their basic information (first name, last name, email address, and country of residence) on the contest’s webpage. Remote workers must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to be eligible. 

Submissions for the sweepstakes are open now through Feb. 4 at 11:59 a.m. EST. They will announce on Feb. 7. 

The lucky person selected for the Roam Remotely Sweepstakes will have a world full of destinations to choose from for their work-cation. In the early days of the pandemic, several countries created new visa programs specifically with laptop-wielding employees and business owners in mind. These visas allow remote workers to spend extended periods in these countries—longer than the typical tourist visa—without registering as an official resident. 

Countries with remote worker visas include Bali, Barbados, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dubai, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, and many more. 

For your chance to win the Roam Remotely Sweepstakes, head to the contest webpage.