As you know we just returned from our first ever Signature Event, our private river cruise sailing featuring Tulip Time in The Netherlands and Belgium.

For weeks (months, in fact) prior to our departure, entry and “in” country requirements were changing. First we needed negative covid tests upon entry, as well as vaccination cards in all venues, mandatory masks in all public places, and an official health certification from The Netherlands government.

By the time we left we needed only our vaccination cards and the health questionnaire.

Upon arrival, no one ever asked me for either. In fact, as we strolled through Amsterdam, Veere, Middleburg, Ghent etc. no one ever asked to see a vaccination card and very few places (I honestly remember only two, the cathedrals in Ghent and Trier) that asked us to wear masks inside.

I did wear my mask on the city walking tours very often simply because they are warm, and we were experiencing an unusual cold snap.

Not only that. I followed the 8-day Tulip Time cruise with two independent days in Amsterdam, and then a 9 day personally escorted tour of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Same story. No one ever asked for the vaccine card, nor did mask mandates become burdensome.

Here’s the great news. As you know, our government is currently requiring all US Citizens to provide a negative covid test prior to entry back into the USA.

Not even one of our Tulip Time guests (120+ passengers) nor one of my land tour (38 passengers) test positive for covid. We did have a few people test positive within 2-3 days of leaving the ship/tour. 7 in total. Only one of which reported feeling ill enough to buy some cold relief medicine (over the counter). Several reported no symptoms at all, a couple had mild cold symptoms. That was it. No one sought medical treatment from a physician or clinic. Very mild experiences from very few guests.

I am sharing this information so you’ll be able to make educated decisions about European travel.

I’ve been going to Europe for almost 20 years. I’ve never had the local citizenry roll out the red carpet the way they did for us on these tours. Like anything else, you don’t realize what you had until it’s gone. American tourists are welcome, appreciated and frankly celebrated right now. If you want to go, now’s a great time to get going.

Another big bonus is less crowding. The streets are literally free from tourists. You really feel that you are among locals, experiencing and appreciating their everyday lives.

I encourage you to give Europe a chance as quickly as you possibly can. The more restrictions are loosened the more crowded it’s going to become. Not only that, there is also a two year pent up demand that is driving pricing and availability in a way I’ve never seen before.

Your favorite agent at The Joy of Travel can arrange river cruises, group tours, or independent travel in Europe. Please give them a call asap and let’s get you to Europe while circumstances are so wonderful.

Your Globetrotting Friend,
JOY

PS What was my favorite part of the trip? Keukenhof. Stay tuned for my next blog to find out more.

Europe is Open and Ready for Business