The past two years have been an enormous challenge for medical

The past two years have been an enormous challenge for medical professionals. With thousands of patients contracting COVID-19 and not knowing what to do in 2020 and millions being hesitant about getting a vaccine in 2021, healthcare providers have experienced a professional burnout. Unable to rest properly, you have worked hard to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Now it is time to rest. You have worked a lot and deserve to spend a good vacation abroad. Summer is coming, so hurry up – go read our recommendations on the best vacation spots for medical professionals and pack your suitcase.

Despite the fact that the pandemic is not over yet and some restrictions are still in place, many countries have reopened to vaccinated tourists. Spending a summer vacation abroad is a great way to restore one’s powers, explore new cultures, meet new people and, of course, sunbathe. We have put together three visa-free and COVID-safe overseas travel spots that you can have great time visiting this summer.

Note: please make sure to check your destination with the CDC and the US Department of State before traveling.

I. Bali, Indonesia

Overview

This Indonesian island is known to many people, but few have actually visited it. The word “Bali” conjures up visions of a fantastical landscape: towering volcanoes draped in a deep green canopy, sand beaches that fade into turquoise waters, and curving coastlines crowned with staggered pagodas.

You will be surprised at how many various kinds of people enjoy this paradise. The average tourist merely stays at the trivial beachside resort and enjoys lavish spa treatments, delicious dining, and lazy sunbathing. The historian, on the other hand, will revel in the island’s various temples, while the adventurous geologist will explore new paths up Kintamani’s active volcano. It is up to you to decide what a medic would do on this magnificent island!

The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island’s dry season. Throughout the year, the daytime temperature hovers between the mid-80s and low 90s Fahrenheit.

You can stay for up to 30 days in Bali without a visa. U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months when entering the country. In addition, there is an obligatory $35.00 visa exception fee that must be paid at the airport.

Culture & Customs

Because Bali is part of Indonesia, Indonesian is the official (and prevalent) language. However, some Balinese (a Malayo-Polynesian language) is still spoken by some residents. Due to the importance of international tourism to Bali’s economy, English is commonly spoken in the main towns and cities. That means moving around, buying souvenirs, and ordering food should be simple.

The Indonesian rupiah is the local currency of Bali. Because the rupiah to US dollar exchange rate changes, double-check the current rate before you travel. Also, keep in mind that, because the significant number difference might be perplexing for outsiders, locals may ask for exorbitant pricing in order to dupe tourists into paying more money than they need to.

Bali is the only Indonesian island that is not mostly Islamic in terms of religion. In Bali, Hinduism is the most widely practiced religion. The majority of the temples in this area are important Hindu monuments, so respect the rituals you will see, such as worshiping in pools of water.

Bali’s food has a strong Indonesian flavor, with Chinese and Indian elements as well. Rice, veggies, meat, and fish are all common ingredients in most recipes and plenty of heat. Base gede is a spice paste made out of garlic, red chili peppers, shallots, nutmeg, turmeric, coriander, ginger, shrimp paste, coconut oil, and bay leaves that is used in many dishes. With so many ingredients, you can be confident that any food made with this spice blend will be delicious. Fish, chicken, and pork are frequently rubbed or stuffed with the spice paste, then cooked in coconut milk with rice and vegetables.

Traveling around Bali

A hired car and driver is the ideal method to navigate around Bali. This option allows you to travel around the country without too much of a hassle and alcohol-related constraints. Another option is to ride a bike but be prepared to weave through congested traffic. Boats are a terrific way to go to other islands, although they are not utilized very often in Bali.

COVID-19

A proof of a WHO-recognized vaccination, or a certificate of recent recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before arrival is required to enter Bali. Wearing masks in public is still mandatory.

Source:https://bali.com

II. Bermuda

If you visit Bermuda, you are likely to encounter guys dressed in pristine and prim business shirts tucked neatly into seemingly casual short pants walking around the capital city of Hamilton. Their “Bermuda shorts” add to the mystique surrounding these isolated Atlantic islands — islands that adhere to British conventions, elegance, and decorum while also knowing how to have fun in the subtropical sun.

Most visitors to Bermuda are seeking a little extravagance. Spa treatments and afternoon tee times are popular diversions. Try stretching out on the brilliant pink sand at Elbow Beach or Horseshoe Bay Beach, strolling through Historic St. George past the old-time buildings, or brushing up on your naval history at the Bermuda National Museum. These islands are not trying to be “cool,” but they do have a delightful old-school sophistication that is hard to discover elsewhere.

Summer is a top season to visit Bermuda thanks to a pleasant weather. On average, the temperature calibrates between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

U.S. citizens do need a visa to visit Bermuda. However, travel authorization must be obtained from the government. It is done online with a fee of $40.00.

Culture & customs

Bermuda’s customs and cultures are a mix of British, American, and West Indian. The island has blended its enigmatic past to develop its own set of traditions. Even during business hours, Bermuda shorts are the usual, but for tea or dinner, they should be paired with a jacket. It is frowned upon to wear a swimming suit — or even flip flops – anywhere else than the beach.

Bermuda has an advantage in terms of excellent seafood because its islands are surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. Island favorites include fish soup, codfish cakes, and spiny lobster. However, because of Bermuda’s isolated location at sea, practically all other products must be imported, and at a high cost – restaurants in Bermuda are usually considered as pricey.

Getting around Bermuda

A bus is the most efficient mode of transportation in Bermuda. You can’t rent a car here and riding a motorcycle can be either entertaining or dangerous, depending on your viewpoint. Taxis have a near-monopoly on taking you from Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) to your hotel, but this pricey mode of transportation isn’t the best option for touring. Fortunately, the buses are dependable and reasonably priced, and they make frequent stops at several of the city’s main attractions. If the bus is not your thing, electric two-seater cars known as Twizys are a good alternative; they’re easier (and safer) to learn than scooters.

COVID-19

Bermuda does not accept unvaccinated adult travelers. Unvaccinated children of 12 years or younger can enter Bermuda if accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent. In addition, all travelers arriving by air are required to undertake a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test up to 4 days before arrival.

Source: https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-travellers-visitors

III. Florence

This small town nestled in the Tuscan hills has left a long shadow throughout history. Firenze (or Florence), the birthplace of the Renaissance, housed the strong Medici family and inspired artists such as Michelangelo. You would swear you stepped into the 14th century if it was not for the trendy Italians and chic boutiques that line Via Tornabuoni. Florence is known for its beautiful sunsets, Italian cuisine, and romantic appeal, but Renaissance art is not the only reason to visit. Summer is the greatest time for visiting Florence when the weather is nice, bringing art festivals, open-air restaurants, and the kind of Italian sunshine that inspired the Renaissance painters. It is also a #1 honeymoon destination, according to the US News ranking (in case if any of our readers is getting married soon)!

To go to Italy from the United States, you will need a valid passport with at least two blank pages. U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in Italy, but they can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

The average summer temperature in Florence is 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an attractive destination.

Culture & customs

We will not even bother writing about world-renowned Italian culture and cuisine. These things have become so trivial that you most likely know them already. However, keep in mind that Italians, as opposed to Americans, have a looser concept of personal space. At first meetings, don’t be startled if they go beyond a handshake. Kisses between the cheeks and the mouth are common. Follow their lead and keep in mind that reciprocation is polite; pulling away would be impolite. When it comes to being impolite, avoid pointing with your index finger, as most Italians use all four fingers. It’s also impolite to point towards something with just your index and pinky together.

Getting around Florence

Walking is the greatest method to get about Florence. In fact, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in just 30 minutes, passing by numerous well-known landmarks. Another alternative is to board an ATAF bus. It is not advisable to rent a car because the narrow, one-way streets make driving a nightmare, and many sections are restricted to walkers or permitted traffic only.

COVID-19

All travelers arriving to Italy are obliged to demonstrate a COVID-19 recovery proof, a negative PCR or antigen test, or proof of vaccination recognized in the EU.

Source:https://www.salute.gov.it

Which of these destinations are you planning to visit and why? Feel free to let us know via email: contact@wchsb.com.

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