In this week's travel update, we will highlight some of the top stories regarding worldwide travel. In this update, we discuss the Maui County Mayor's request for airlines to pause flights to Hawaii. Las Vegas is finally open again, which is good news for the locals and travelers alike. Lastly, the UK's "Green List" of countries is a little too short for some.

"Just A Pause" says Maui Mayor

Michael Victorino, Mayor of Maui County, said in a press briefing on June 29th that the Maui airport was "wall-to-wall people" and that it was "overcapacity." He is not kidding when he said that because, in the first six days of July, Hawaii saw over 200,000 visitors arrive, and another 100,000 expected to arrive by the end of the week.

Maui has become a top travel destination due to the travel restrictions from other top destinations. Victorino echoed this when he said Maui's rocketing popularity is "because there are not a lot of choices" for people to travel to. As a result of the increased traffic, the airports are packed, public transportation is constantly carrying passengers to and from airports, U-hauls are being rented since car rental companies are running out, and the local emergency crews are rescuing travelers who get themselves into precarious situations.

"We're asking for just a pause if you want to use that term," Victorino stated. He is speaking with airlines in an attempt to quell the tide of travelers so that Maui is respected and safe for everyone. Regarding the travelers, Victorino said, "We like to welcome them, but we only have so many beaches." "Maui is a community first and a travel destination second," he iterated.

📌Pro Tip: Flying abroad anytime soon? Download the Skip app and let us assist you with your preparations with a passport renewal or TSA PreCheck enrollment.

Vegas Restrictions Are Gone

One of the most popular destinations in the U.S. is Las Vegas, Sin City. The endless entertainment, gambling opportunities, and the sense of escaping reality all make Las Vegas well, Vegas. Like all tourist destinations, Las Vegas tourism was nonexistent after the pandemic hit full strength. That has changed.

As of June 1, 2021, Clark County, Nevada lifted all restrictions that were in place and returned to pre-pandemic guidelines. This means that capacity limits and large gatherings restrictions are no longer in place. Fully vaccinated people are free to use the facilities without wearing masks but must wear them on any public transportation service, such as planes, buses, etc. Their decision could change should infections and hospitalizations increase, but they are confident with their decision given their decreasing infection rate.

The UK's Short List of "Green List" Countries Expands Slightly

Ever since the UK released its list of Green countries, it has received some criticism for it being too conservative. When it became active on May 17, the list of green countries included the following: Australia, Brunei, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands Iceland, Gibraltar, New Zealand, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands; and St Helena, Tristan de Cunha, and Ascension Island.

Recognizably absent from the list was the United States. Roger Dow, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association responded, “Putting the U.S. on amber status ignores the scientific data regarding increasing vaccination rates, lower infection rates and that the U.S. has the right strategies in place to mitigate risk." Several countries have been added to the green list since May 17, including Barbados, Bermuda, and the Caymen Islands. The U.K. updates its lists every three weeks, but the U.S. remains on the Amber list.

For tourists from Amber countries, like the United States, seeking to travel to the UK, there are certain steps that you must take. You must have a negative Covid test within three days before your trip, quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, you are required to take a Covid test on the 2nd and eighth day of your trip, and submit a passenger locator form. They offer a Test To Release Scheme, in which you can voluntarily pay for a private company to conduct a Covid test on your 5th day in England. If the test is negative, you can leave quarantine.

📌Pro tip: Check every country's vaccination and testing requirements before your trip.