Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Breaking: Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal Airports Next for Rapid Testing?

Would you travel during the pandemic if you didn't have to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return? Millions of travel-craving Canadians have asked themselves the same very question. 

Canada announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act on March 25th, 2020 that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. Seven months later on November 2nd, Calgary introduced a rapid Covid-19 testing pilot program, in conjunction with the Alberta and federal government. This pilot project would replace the length of isolation time from 14 days to the length it takes to get your first results of a negative post-travel test. This is often only 24 - 48 hours. Thereafter, you're free to roam the province but must report back daily via an app and take a second test on day six upon your entry. 

In the first six weeks of the Calgary pilot project, the province has reported that out of the 14,382 tested travellers, only 1.4% tested positive on the initial swab. After the second required swab, the positive test results drops down to only 0.7%.

Other major airports and provincial governments across Canada have been closely monitoring the results and are ready to follow suit. Alberta Health spokesman Tom McMillan advises, "The intent is to add the Edmonton International Airport to the pilot in 2021." Montreal Trudeau Airport is now offering rapid tests for those traveling to France, and other destinations that require negative result medical certificate upon entry into their country or region. For other major Canadian gateways, Shoppers Drug Mart is now also offering this service to provide proof of negative Covid-19 test. 

Toronto Pearson International Airport spokesperson Robin Smith said they are "very open to setting up a similar program to what is in place in Calgary." Backing this, Ontario Premiere 
Doug Ford is calling on federal support to place rapid testing stations at the provinces two major airports in Toronto and Ottawa to help reduce the existing 14-day mandatory quarantining in Ontario.

This comes as more rapid tests are being rolled out across the country in long-term care centers and hospitals, along with the actual vaccine. "It's a game-changer" announces Ford. 

So - the ultimate question, what will stop you from traveling?

♡Flights are available to the destination
♡Flying is proven to be safe (according to IATA the chances of catching Covid-19 is 1 in 27 million)
♡The airline, transportation company, and resort have a strict health and safety protocol
♡There is no need to quarantine for 14 days
♡I can easily get tested before and/or after my trip





Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Tips for Hosting a Safe Wedding in 2021

 The thought that you might not be able to celebrate your nuptials with hugs of congratulations from your loved ones or the ability to pull out the dance moves with your friends at the wedding reception would have never crossed the minds of wedding couples in 2019. But today, we are in a different world. A world that has to adapt because let's face it, love continues no matter the obstacles, and thus, so do weddings. Whether your 2020 wedding has been postponed or you're newly engaged and planning, there are things that can ensure the health and safety of you and your wedding guests while still hosting a wedding during a pandemic. All social gatherings need to adhere to some basic protocols - whether you are planning a local wedding at an indoor banquet facility or outdoors in a backyard or public space or traveling to your favorite destination wedding paradise. Following these tips in planning a wedding in 2021 will be sure to aid you in a successful, and safe, event.

Photo: @jaredladiaweddings

ADHERE TO THE LOCAL LAW

Throughout the pandemic, we've seen different countries, states, provinces and municipalities not only make recommendations on how to be socially responsible when gathering as a group but they have also laid down the law when it comes to events. It's important to stay on top of your local area's rules and regulations as it relates to social gatherings indoors and outdoors as they are ever changing. What are the restrictions on number of people in the group? What are the restrictions with food service? Are face masks required only indoors or also in outdoor spaces?

FORCED MAJEURE CLAUSE

For your financial protection, ensure that there is a clause in the Contract with your venue and vendors that if "the scope of the event is not met" that you get a full refund or option to postpone. This means that if you wanted dancing on the night of your wedding but the local law says otherwise after the Contract is signed, you can cancel or postpone because your dream wedding has been affected. 

PRE-SCREENING

At the least it is recommended to assign a greeter at the entrance to your wedding event who will also take a health questionnaire and temperature scan of each guest upon arrival. A further option to ensure the health and safety of all of your guests is to have them do a Covid-19 test before attending. Many public and private tests are available in different areas. We're also now seeing at some overseas conferences and events they have rapid testing available right at check-in, with results in less than 5-minutes! 

Photos: @destinationweddingsexpert

LIVESTREAM AND STREAMLINED GUEST LIST

When starting the planning process pre-2020 you may have wanted everyone that you both know under one roof to celebrate this joyous occasion but in 2021 and pre-vaccines, you may have to tone this down a little. Ensure the essential guest list is no more than the maximum allowed in your jurisdiction. In some cases it has been set at a maximum of 10 people gathering indoors or 50 people outdoors. Know your limit but also know that this can change over time. For the assurance of your guests, you can also detail in the wedding invitations that all health and safety protocols will be adhered to including the restrictions on the number of guests on the date of the wedding. This potentially means that not all invited guests may be able to attend after-all but that you will continue to keep them updated. You may also want to be intentional with who you don't invite such as the elderly or anyone with compromised immune systems, pre-existing medical conditions or who feels uneasy to travel to attend. Instead, offer these loved ones the opportunity to witness the exchanging of the vows virtually over livestream. Most venues now have this option or you can assign some guests to make this available using their smart-phones. There are many livestream options with Zoom, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Periscope, YouNow, YouTube Live, Google Live Chat and more.  

Photo: @tulleandtinseldc

UNDER NO OBLIGATION

Let's face it. We all know someone who seems to have been self-isolating since March 2020 and continues to order online groceries and who wears full PPE when they step out of their home. We also know that someone who continues to live life to their fullest with zero thought of the pandemic. It's important to recognize that the comfort levels during Covid-19 is a very wide spectrum and nobody should feel obligated to attend your wedding in person, unlike traditional weddings. It's important to ensure that everybody who is attending your wedding feels comfortable in being there. If they currently see everyone and everything as giant germs, they probably shouldn't go.

MASK UP

Not only have face masks been proven to help reduce the spread of the virus and be required by law, they can also be quit fashionable. Most seamstresses can create some custom-matching face masks to the wedding party's attire easily. And why not send some face masks in your wedding invitation or have as your wedding favors. It is predicted that we'll all continue to need face masks into 2021 and even when the vaccine arrives. Local face mask companies have popped up everywhere offering soft, breathable, reusable, affordable and customizable face masks. Check out www.caspermasks.com who can fully customize your wedding face masks for under $10 each.

Photo credit: @petalpowerwales

GLAMMED UP SANITIZATION STATIONS

Who says sanitization stations have to be drab? Incorporate them into the wedding decor set-up plans by having extra flowers on order or other decorations. Be sure that you have an abundance of hand sanitizer stations on-hand throughout the ceremony and reception and that they are easily accessible by all.

Photo: @monarchweddingplanning

SPREAD IT OUT (Not the Virus)

Although many household family members are in close contact with each other every day, the wedding trend during the pandemic is still to have the ceremony chairs socially distanced by 6 feet apart each. Do away with bench or other shared seating for 2021. This is even more important at the wedding reception since this is often held indoors and when face masks need to come off to eat. When circle tables used to fit 8 people, reduce this down to 4. Instead of the traditional mixing of relatives and friends, perhaps keep the table assignments to those living in the same households only. For your single guests, ask them who they'd feel most comfortable in sharing a table with. Aside from the wedding couple, the party at the head table should also be socially distanced to set that example to the rest of your guests. 

CONTACTLESS FOOD

The trend with all-inclusive resorts and banquet facilities now is to offer a meal that has the lowest number of contact with people. For this reason, you'd think that our beloved buffets are no longer but this is on the contrary. You can still offer a buffet-style dinner but they can now be 'assisted buffets' meaning that an employee dishes out the food that each guest prefers, instead of the guests diving in themselves. But the best way to reduce traffic is still to have a sit-down served plated dinner. 

TO DANCE OR NOT TO DANCE

We're seeing a significant reduction in dancing at weddings during the pandemic. But, the life of the parties continue to want to express themselves and there are options to bust a move safely. Why not put down tape on the dance floor in socially distanced circles, squares or designer octagons so individuals or household families can dance together while maintaining distance from one another? Also ensure that you 'biggy-size' the dance floor area so there isn't crowding or act as a deterrent to others who want to participate. When having the father-daughter, son-mother dance, ensure they are in your bubble and wear your face masks for their protection and yours. You may have had a negative test before the event but you've probably been exposed to more people than you realize in the days just prior to the wedding. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Alternatively, instead of dancing, consider other non-traditional entertainment or games that is fun and interactive for the whole group.

Photo: @hallatfauntleroy

SHORT BUT SWEET

Consider shortening the wedding day to reduce exposure time with one another. When the drinking starts and some guests start to quietly sneak away, this might be the time to shut down the whole party. Not only does alcohol reduce inhibitions and increase slobbery drunkeness of affection between friends, it also reduces the immune system. An 11:00 pm curfew for example, would not only reduce the cost of the venue and embarrassing late wedding stories, it would ensure that there has still been enough time to eat, do speeches, cut the cake and dance.

SWEET BUT SHORT

You don't have to have a 10-tier cake on display during pandemic days. You're off the hook on this one this year. Consider a small, intimate cake on display and for use during the cake cutting ceremony while you have the guests portions safely stored in the kitchen. Or if your heart is set, then bring out the tiers only when it's time for cutting. That'll also offer that wow factor!

Photo: meadowsweetcakes

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Many destination weddings are also continuing as planned. With many destinations and resorts re-opened since their closures in the Spring of 2020, they are ready and waiting, and exceptionally well sanitized! Not only did IATA advise that the chances of catching Covid-19 while on a plane is one in 41 million, the transportation companies and resorts are strictly adhering to the health and safety protocols, some say, better than found locally in some cases. Like a local wedding, it's important to note that not everyone can attend your destination wedding. You'll have a reduced group size but you'll also have the opportunity to reconnect closer with loved ones over a weekend or a week, rather than just one day. And let's admit it, we all need a little more reconnection since isolating from our loved ones.

CHANGE THE TRADITIONS

To help limit congestion, consider not tossing the garter and bouquet out onto the dance floor. Not only will this save your guests on the bruises, it'll also save them on sharing their competitive sweat with one another. Perhaps the bouquet can be given to the most deserving bachelorette at the party or someone you know will brighten up their isolation days. Also consider posting a glammed up sign at the front of the receiving line that says something like, "air hugs preferred." This will set the tone and reduce the contact between yourselves and your guests, but still allows you to thank each any every one for attending. You can also scrap this tradition and instead, ensure that you walk around to each table to express your gratitude. 

Laurie Keith founded Romantic Planet Vacations in 2004 and is both a certified destination wedding travel specialist and wedding planner. She has served over 1,000 destination wedding couples over the years and counting.



Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Local Travel Agent Goes the Extra Mile For Cancelled Destination Wedding Couple

Helen Krasic and Andrew Cordeiro of Etobicoke, Ontario had big plans for their wedding. They were going to fulfill their lifelong dreams of getting married on the beach, surrounded by 50 of their closest friends and families. All plans were underway. The wedding date of September 1st, 2020 was booked. The flowers, the decorations, and the menu had been carefully selected. The venue at the Royalton Punta Cana deposited via their travel agency, Romantic Planet Vacations. Then, the pandemic hit. 

Like so many Canadian couples, Helen and Andrew’s destination wedding plans were forced to be postponed because of COVID-19. With the combined obstacles of the pandemic itself, worldwide travel restrictions, the Quarantine Act, limited flight options, the engaged couple felt that they had no other choice than to change their wedding plans to 2021.

When their veteran travel advisor and destination wedding specialist, Corinne Wilson-Daly, saw how devastated they were, she decided that she had enough of bad news that she’d take this matter into her own hands. She not only offered her compassionate sympathies to the couple, she offered her own home and suburban backyard in Burlington, Ontario in which to legally wed. “When I called Helen to offer her my backyard for their local wedding ceremony, she cried. She was so happy.”

With the green light from the wedding couple, Corinne connected with colleagues and family including her daughter Amanda Garrett of AMEG Designs to create some monogramed champagne flutes, floral designs and customized face masks. She called upon her wedding officiant friend, Judith Blair, also of Romantic Planet Vacations, to perform the ceremony. Laurie Keith, owner of the travel agency, offered her photography services and husband Jim, a true handy-man, built a beautiful boho-chic wedding backdrop. An intimate wedding cake and some champagne were purchased by Corinne to top off the special occasion.


You’d think this travel advisor had stumbled onto a lucrative new business of local wedding planning and when asked how much she was charging for this service, Corinne humbly said, “nothing. It’s not fair what happened to this wonderful couple. I just want to continue to help them in any way that I can.”

The intimate and local outdoor wedding ceremony was held on Saturday October 10th, 2020 in Burlington, Ontario in adherence to the COVID-19 health and safety rules. "I'm not going to lie, I had a few joyous tears for the newlywed during their beautiful ceremony." said Corinne.

If you would like more information on this story or to help plan your upcoming destination wedding with Corinne directly, please contact her at Corinne.wilson@romanticplanet.ca

Laurie Keith, Judith Blair, Helen Krasic and Andrew Cordeiro, Corinne Daly-Wilson, Amanda Garrett