When the novel coronavirus outbreak was first reported in China in mid-December, few people would have thought that it would escalate to a global pandemic. This virus causes a respiratory disease (now called COVID-19), which closely resembles the flu. The origin of coronavirus is due to the host animal, bats. This is how the virus mutates and eventually was caught by humans. The Chinese wet markets in Wuhan is where the first infection is thought to have occurred.

As a large city of close to 11 million people, Wuhan quickly began to see a spike in COVID-19 cases. This eventually resulted in a snowball effect where the virus spread through travel and inter-personal contact. With travel and trade occurring daily, the virus found its way outside China and to the rest of the world.

But what impact has COVID-19 had on other countries, the global economy, and travel?

Effect of COVID-19 on different countries

The novel coronavirus has now infected over 190,000 people in roughly 100 countries. The global death toll stands at 7900- with China, Iran, and 3 European countries being hit the heaviest by COVID-19. But how did we get to this point in less than 3 months? Lack of swift action, an attempted cover-up during early stages, and extensive travel allowed for infections to spread rapidly and within a brief period. Each country has experienced a unique set of circumstances when dealing with COVID-19.

Learn how countries are responding to the recent global pandemic:

• China

With the start of the first outbreak in Wuhan (in the Hubei province of China), doctors in the region reported the spread of a respiratory illness that’s similar to SARS (the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of 2002). There was an initial period of denial (and attempts to cover up) by the Chinese government. However, the rapid spread and infection rate sparked extensive action during the first few weeks of January. Wuhan was essentially placed under lockdown, and movement in and out of the city was severely limited.

China also deployed an additional 200,000 health workers to help provide treatment and other services to the affected region.

• Italy

Italy has been the worst-hit country in the world after China. By mid-March, there were over 31,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of over 2,500 people. Italy’s delayed response and porous borders may have accelerated the spread of the virus over the past 2 months. In an attempt to deal with the situation, Italy has imposed a country-wide lock down.

Shops, restaurants, and bars are now closed; and only essential movement is being permitted. Furthermore, Italy has turned warehouses and other similar spaces into make-shift hospitals for treating the overflow of COVID-19 patients.

• Spain, France, and the rest of Europe

In the beginning of March, signs of heavy infections were in Spain and France. Spain has imposed restrictions on movement in Madrid and other parts of the country to slow down the spread of COVID-19. In Madrid (where the outbreak is highest in Spain), restaurants, bars and cafes have been closed (except for takeout and delivery). Many European countries (such as Germany and Austria) have closed their shared borders with France, Italy, and Spain. Critics expects that these restrictions will  remain tight as the pandemic infects more people in the coming months.

• USA

The United States currently has 4200 cases and close to 80 deaths. Public Health officials expect the number to keep rising as testing becomes more widespread across the country. For critics, the U.S is reacting slowly to the outbreak causing backlash. Obtaining testing kits are slow and expensive for healthcare providers. Personal protective equipment and ventilators are also to be in short supply.

However, many actions at the federal and state levels are following protocol to slow the spread of the virus. With the declaring of a national state of Emergency, this was able to free up as much as $50 billion. At the same time, the government suspended all travel from European countries for 30 days (as from Friday, March 13th but excluding the arrival of American residents).

Various states have also implemented their responses to the virus. K-12 schools have been suspended across most of the country, while New York, Ohio, Colorado, New Jersey & many others have shut down bars and restaurants (except for takeout and deliveries).

Travel Restrictions you should be aware of

As COVID-19 cases continue to grow daily, travel; restrictions are evolving just as quickly. It helps to be mindful of how this pandemic might impact travel requirements during the coming months. Here’s what you should know as of now:

• Travel from Europe to the United States is on suspension for 30 days (except for citizens and residents)
• Non-residents arriving to the U.S. from China or Iran (and were in those countries within the past 14 days) will not be allowed entry
• Canadians are advising to avoid non-essential travel outside the country
• The U.K has advised its citizens against non-essential travel to the United States and other COVID-19 hot zones

The spread of COVID 19 has also affected cruise ship travel. Many cruises across the globe have been suspended for the next few months– including the famous Viking and Diamond Princess cruises. Cruise ships have been a hot zone for spreading the virus, mainly because most travelers are older adults who are over 65 years old. The CDC recommends that people avoid all non-essential travel on cruise ships.

VSQ Travel on COVID

We know at VSQ Travel that new travel updates are consistently being changed and updated. As we continue to follow this outbreak, we know we want to keep all of our followers and consumers as safe as possible. We must do our part to make sure this pandemic ends as soon as possible. As we continue to stay put, we can always plan where we want to go in our futures. By doing our part, we soon can be packing our bags onto our next adventure. Make sure to keep up with us at www.VSQTravel.com and follow us on social media as we continue to day-dream about our next adventure. #VirtualTraveler

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While you are stuck at home, we know you are itching to get out and travel. Once we can explore the world again and take advantage of our freedom, VSQ Travel is here to inspire you for your next vacation. Thinking about hiking, laying on a beach, or cruising through the desert? We are here to daydream about your next adventure while appreciating the United States for all its amazing wonders. Here is a list of states we think you will want to jet off to once we are no longer grounded:

Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its love of music! Considering that the city of Memphis is known as the birthplace of blues and Nashville is the home of country music – Tennessee is always rockin’. Not only does Tennessee have a great music scene, but breathtaking greenery can be found throughout the rest of the state. Tennessee is full of southern hospitality and can be quite affordable. Whether you would rather attend a music festival or hike along a lush trail, Tennessee is a great place to visit!

North Carolina

During any season in North Carolina, there are numerous cities to explore and greenery to see. North Carolina’s coast trails along for more than 300 miles including romantic towns, national beaches and award-winning restaurants. Not only is the beach an option, but there is plenty to explore on the Appalachian Trail or along the Rocky Knob Mountain. North Carolina attracts many travelers due to its rich history. It is home to some of the oldest universities in the country including UNC-Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt University and Duke University.

Massachusetts 

If you love a big city feel with endless amount of history, Massachusetts is the place for you! Not only is Massachusetts the home of where the pilgrims landed, Plymouth, but it is home to some iconic locations. Boston, Massachusetts’s largest city, can provide you with endless historic sites followed by sporting events and amazing eateries. Cape Cod on the other hand, includes white sand beaches and picturesque scenery. Nature lovers can also explore the towns of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Massachusetts has a laundry list of historic cities & quaint beach towns and it is waiting for you to visit. We didn’t even mention Salem! Salem is the birth of the Salem Witch Trials making Massachusetts a great place to explore right around Halloween.

Utah

Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Featuring national parks, national forests, state parks and ski resorts, Utah is made up of beautiful natural wonders. Arches National Park is one of the most famous places to explore in Utah. This desert may seem bare, but it is full of red rocks and wildlife. Zion National Park includes numerous hiking trails and endless colorful sandstone cliffs. If skiing is more your speed, head to Salt Lake City and spend time at the many luxurious ski resorts with family and friends!

What are You Daydreaming About?

As we continue to wait out for better news, we can dream about the numerous places we want to visit for the rest of 2020. While we continue to explore the US from our computers, phones and televisions, planning a trip can provide us something to daydream about. In hopes we receive better news in the future, this is the best way we can support local economies and the travel industry during this time. Once we can explore again, pack your bags, grab your friends and family and get out there! We may not know when, but your next adventure is waiting for you!

Explore domestic options by using the VSQ Travel tool. Also, receive weekly travel deals when subscribing to our newsletter here: https://vsqtravel.com/

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Whether you’re planning to tour the Colosseum, walk along the Great Wall of China, or view the world from the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, most people have a list of dream places to visit in a lifetime. Whatever the state of your bucket list, it’s never too late to begin checking off those must-visit travel destinations. If you’ve not updated your list for 2020, here are the trending travel destinations to consider:

The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are currently the most trending hot spots for avid travelers. Book a flight directly into Santorini and land into the magical blue and white architecture of Oia. Once in the islands, consider accommodations overlooking the water to enjoy amazing sunset views. In 2020, the Santorini Council plans to open up new roads and parking areas to make the islands even more accessible. You can rent an ATV to explore the entire island by buggy which offers amazing views. Not your speed, simply go on a wine tasting tour by the adorable Santos Winery, Venesantos winery, or Gavalas Winery. Nightlife is amazing too, offering multiple hotels and nightclubs with marvelous entertainment.

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer is a remote desert location with fairy tale architecture and incredible hotels. If you’re looking for a travel destination of your wildest dreams, Jaisalmer is your ultimate choice. The Indian Golden city sits on the outskirts of the vast Thar Desert and stretches all the way to Pakistan. This ancient city is anchored by an iconic sandstone fort with maze-like markets and alleys that thrill every visitor seeking eclectic one-of-a-kind souvenirs. You will want to stop by the Sam Sand Dunes to experience firsthand the epic scenery of this fascinating landscape.

Nikko, Japan

Japan will draw a lot of attention in 2020, thanks to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. There’s a lot to explore in Japan, but you need to plan your travel well if you want to avoid the crowding during the games. Escape the busy capital and travel just under two hours by train to Nikko. The silent town has a rich history as well as gorgeous natural settings. Explore Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding national park that hosts scores of UNESCO World Heritage sites. As one of the oldest places where Buddhism was established, you will find lots of temples to visit. Take a walk around the lake and take some time to relax in one of the amazing hot springs.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands hosts some of the world’s most iconic resorts, including the Rosewood Little Dix Bay. The best time to visit the islands is in March as sailors and visitors from across the world flock the islands for the annual BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. Therefore, be sure to catch the festival and also take some time to visit Cooper Island Beach Club and admire their solar-powered brewery. The Bitter End Yacht Club also debuts a full nautical village built from recycled materials.

Madagascar

Sometimes referred to as the “eighth continent” because of its unique plants and animals, Madagascar lures visitors from across the globe. If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical getaway where you can lounge on peaceful islands, hike around jaw-dropping rock cliffs, or trek through lush rain forests, then Madagascar is your ultimate travel destination. The island is home to approximately 19,000 types of plants that you can explore in the country’s 47 national parks and reserves.

When it comes to native species, you’ll find all of the globe’s 100-plus lemur species on the island. You can also head offshore to snorkel around Nosy Sakatia. Go out swimming at The Three Bays. Lastly, take pictures of the sunrise or sunset over the monumental Morondava’s Avenue of the Baobabs.

The year 2020 is the year to realize your wildest dreams. Hike the soaring cliffs of isolated islands, watch the sun rise over rock-filled chimneys, or ride on the back of a camel in a desert valley. Hopefully, this list of  travel destinations gives you a glimpse of what to add to your 2020 bucket list. Now, plan ahead and explore the world using VSQTravel!

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For starters, what is a timeshare?
A timeshare is a vacation property with multiple owners. These owners have a share in a unit that is typically an apartment, condo or villa at a resort-style property, usually in a desirable vacation location. Ownership in a timeshare guarantees a specific time for the owner to use the unit each year.

The Perks
The main perk of a timeshare is the reduced cost in “ownership”. When owning a vacation property outright, you are be the sole owner and have the rights to use it 365 days a year but you also are responsible for the full value of the property and all the maintenance costs. With a timeshare, the cost of ownership is considerably lower, and while a portion of your fees might go toward maintaining the property, the actual maintenance is handled by an HOA or the resort property.

For example, an avid skier or snowboarder might “own” a 3 bedroom timeshare unit in Vail, Colorado for the 3rd week in January every year; this would guarantee the vacation spot every year without the hassles of owning and upkeeping a mountain condo year-round.

What to Know about Ownership
There are two different types of ownership for timeshares. The first is “deeded,” meaning that the owner has the rights to the property for given dates until sold. These types of timeshares can be rented out, given away or passed down through an estate. The second is “right-to-use,” this is the type that most people think of when they hear “timeshare,” these properties are under contract for a specific timeframe that the owner has rights to the unit – typically 10+ years.

Within those ownership options, there are different ways to enjoy the timeshare itself. There is fixed week ownership, as mentioned above, where an owner has access to the property on the same week every year, this is most common among timeshares. Next, there is floating week ownership where multiple weeks are owned and at least one is in peak season with the others spread throughout the rest of the year. Finally, there is rotating week ownership, this means that in year one, an owner might have the unit for a week in March, but by year ten of ownership, they could have a week in September. This allows people to have opportunities to enjoy the property during peak seasons at some point during their ownership.

The Modern Timeshare
There is also a more flexible timeshare option for people who want vacation options at a fixed rate. A lot of timeshare properties belong to families of resorts thereby allowing greater flexibility in vacation options. At these types of timeshares or “vacation clubs”, owners pay for an allotment of points or credits, they can then use those credits to book at a number of property options in several locations. Something to consider though, is that high demand locations, dates/times of year, and property sizes will carry different point weights, but the flexibility of booking afforded to owners is appealing to a lot of people.

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It might be tempting to book the cheapest cruise option available. This is likely a mistake. Even if it seems like the cruises offer the same exact things (stops, departure location, length, etc.), it doesn’t mean they’re the same. Taking the time to do the research into all the options will end up saving you money on the whole rather than just up front.

Base prices typically include the stateroom, basic meals, access to the pools and general activities, and entrance to shows, bars, and clubs. Classes, lessons, activities, spa services and (most times) booze are extra. When you get to a port-of-call it’s always free to get off the ship but any excursions you might want to do, are not. An understanding of what your cruise covers is imperative when choosing which one to book.

Packing for a Cruise Should Be Easy, Right?
One would think, but cruise ships tend to uphold strict(ish) dress codes in their dining rooms. Almost all cruises include at least one formal dinner. Formal night attire can range from a cocktail dress and summer suit to a ball gown and tuxedo. Most other dinners in the dining room require a business casual look – sundresses or maxi dresses for ladies and slacks with linen button downs for men. Outside dinner considerations though, feel free to pack your favorite bathing suits, cover-ups, tee shirts, shorts, and flip flops!

What to Do After Boarding
The first few hours of a cruise buzz with excitement, everyone just boarded the ship, the captain welcomes everyone aboard, you set sail and now there are 3-12+ days ahead of you. Cruise ships offer daily activities and ones that only happen a couple times or even once through the trip for all ages and interests, make sure you don’t miss out on the good ones by taking a few minutes when you board to look at the cruise schedule.

In addition to things to do on the ship, there are the aforementioned port-of-call excursions. It is highly recommended that you book these in advance. Some excursions have an attendee capacity or require a headcount for special equipment – you don’t want to miss out on a unique experience because you waited to book your spot.

The Motion of the Ocean
Cruise ships have stabilization mechanisms, so it’s unlikely that most people will experience seasickness unless truly rough waters are hit, but for the more sensitive, there are options. Dramamine is easy to stomach, there are motion/sea sickness bands made to wear around the wrist(s), and ginger products are a natural remedy. Also, booking a cabin on a higher deck will help you feel less motion.

Final Quick Tips:
Check what (if any) tips are included.
Pack meds with you for common ailments.
Make sure your passport is up-to-date (and bring it with you).
Factor dinner wine and poolside beer into your budget – alcohol is typically not included.
Unplug – internet and cell phone service is spotty at best, use this time to unwind without being connected.
You won’t see your main luggage until a few hours after boarding, make sure you have a day bag with essentials like any medications and sunscreen.
Take the stairs! There can be long lines for the elevators – get your steps in and work off last night’s dinner!

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Fun in the Sun
Perhaps the most popular type of resort is the beach, island or lake resort. The focal points of these resorts are the beaches and the water. Most resorts offer a myriad of activities and sports to enjoy; things like fishing, parasailing, tennis, kayaking, boating, volleyball, and horseback riding appeal to singles, couples, and families alike. Some even offer private beaches and services for guests.

Teeing Up a Good Time
Another major player in this space is the golf resort. Golf is a game long associated with relaxation and vacation. With one or more courses on site, these resorts are great retreats for amateurs, pros and anyone in between. A lot of times packages will include a round of golf, cart and accessories with a booked stay.

Ski Bums and Bunnies
While some people like to visit the beach or hit the links, others prefer to zip down the side of a mountain. Ski resorts offer more than just the slopes, a lot of resorts are small villages with access to the trails (sometimes with options to “ski-out” directly from a room or villa), access to several different winter sports, and access to “après ski” amenities (nightlife, entertainment, events), creating a full experience for both skiers and non-skiers.

When a “Spa Day” Becomes a Spa Vacation
Spa resorts exist in many forms; there are resorts dedicated specifically to spa services, detoxing, or getting away from technology and the busyness of everyday life. In addition, a lot of the other types of resorts in this article offer spa experiences for those that are a looking for a touch of extra relaxation on their vacation. Full-service spa resorts, though, offer a getaway that is low-key, quiet, serene, and geared towards health or spiritual goals.

From the Big Screen to Vacation
A fan favorite on this list – for kids and adults alike – theme parks. Parks based on movies, music and beloved characters continue to rise in popularity. And with that popularity, comes themed hotels, restaurants, and activities, all aimed at creating an immersive experience for thrill seekers, bookworms, cinephiles, parents, kids and big kids at heart.

The Works
All-inclusive resorts: One set charge for your room, all you can drink and eat across different cuisines, exciting entertainment options day and night, pools and amenities – all in one (a lot of times, tropical) location. And an added bonus is that there are all-inclusive options for couples, singles, adults only, and for families. Some packages even include tips, airfare and ground transportation, making it a nearly stress-free vacation.

In addition to the types of resorts discussed here, there are more unique options out there for those who like to keep it interesting – dude ranches, ecotourism resorts, casino resorts, resorts with historical themes or in historical places, even resorts where clothing is optional.

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