The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired May 11, 2023. And in October 2022, Spain lifted their requirements for tourists to be vaccinated before entering the country. The Writer’s Journey has modified its Covid policies in response to these changes.
Vaccination Requirements: The Writer’s Journey strongly encourages but no longer requires travelers to be vaccinated and boosted for Covid-19 and other communicable diseases such as influenza (flu), as recommended by the CDC. (See here for CDC vaccine guidance.)
Please note that proof of vaccination, including boosters, may be or become a requirement in some international destinations. Be sure to check travel and entry requirements carefully of any destinations to which you are traveling or passing through, especially if you are not vaccinated. Regional requirements are constantly evolving, often with very little notice, and traveling unvaccinated could cause disruptions to your trip.
The Writer’s Journey will not offer refunds or expense reimbursement to those unable to take part in certain activities due to not meeting local, regional, or international requirements.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is required for this trip. Be sure to read the fine print on any policy you buy so you know whether (and to what degree) your insurance will cover a Covid-related cancellation. As of October 2023, Travel Insured treats COVID like any other illness. But please do your own due diligence.
If you can’t join our trip or have to leave early due to COVID-19 or other illnesses or injuries, trip cancellation insurance will be your only recourse to recoup your travel investment. The Writer’s Journey will not provide refunds should you need to cancel, regardless of the reason, beyond what is outlined in our graduated cancellation policy.
Masking: The Writer’s Journey is a mask-friendly environment. We respect people’s choice in the matter and ask that all travelers do the same.
We ask that all travelers carry an N-95 mask with them at all times in case they are needed.
Anyone showing signs of illness will be asked to take a Covid test. If they test negative but are sick, they will be expected to segregate themselves from the group while ill, eat their meals separately, and mask when in proximity to others. If a participant tests positive for Covid-19, the procedures delineated in the On-Trip Procedures will come into effect.
Pre-Trip Procedures
Testing: To ensure that everyone is healthy prior to joining the trip, we ask that you take an at-home antigen or lab-based PCR test before you depart and seek medical care and refrain from traveling if you are ill. We ask travelers to take this step in the best interest of themselves and others if you are contagious or feel unwell prior to departure.
We require everyone to send us the result of a PCR or rapid antigen test taken in the 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain to ensure that everyone starts the trip with a negative Covid test.
While En Route to Spain: We ask that you wear an N-95 mask in transit to Spain to protect yourself and the rest of the group from possible exposure to illness in crowded airports, security lines and on flights.
If You Test Positive for Covid Before the Trip: These are the CDC guidelines we’ll follow to determine when it’s safe for you to travel and possible for you to join the trip.
On Trip Procedures
Should a participant become ill in Spain, we will evaluate their condition and assist them in accessing medical care as needed. This may include facilitating COVID-19 testing, and we also encourage travelers to bring their own Rapid Antigen tests from home as a precaution.
Please note that the Writer’s Journey may need to isolate participants should they show symptoms of COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, and this may mean their trip could be cut short or cancelled, with participants incurring additional travel and medical expenses.
If someone tests positive for COVID-19, they will be assisted to leave the trip and to access medical care, if needed, at their own expense. They may also be required to isolate for a period of time. (See here for full CDC isolation guidance.)
The rest of the group will be notified of the exposure and while we will not require everyone on the trip to test, we will encourage everyone to wear masks, to test, and to isolate to their comfort level.
We encourage travelers to bring their own rapid tests from home, wherever possible, and to be prepared to purchase tests, if required.
If anyone else develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19, we will follow the protocol outlined above. Our goal is to keep the trip going wherever possible.
Given the constantly changing global health environment, our plans may evolve as we consider new guidance and recommendations from health agencies. We’ll keep this space updated with any changes that might affect you. Please check here as your trip approaches.
Dated: November 1, 2023