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Reader,

Last month I traveled to Dubai - oh my- what a fabulous experience that was! If you've ever dreamed of flying on an airplane that had and upstairs and downstairs complete with a seat that transformed into a bed, your own TV, round-the-clock food and beverage service along with a bar at the back where you could hang out and enjoy life with a glass of bubbly at 43,000 feet, Emirates is your airline!

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But before departure, there were so many things to get squared away before I could really relax. I mean, the flight was 13 hours nonstop from JFK, so I had to calculate exactly which day I would be arriving so I could book the hotel for the right day. Not a hard task until they use military time. And do I stay at the beach or in the city? Can I wear shorts or only outfits that make me look like a beekeeper? So many questions!

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Then there were the entry protocols! Was a visa necessary? Did they require vaccinations or just a COVID test? If so, which vaxx or which test? Afterall, this is the Middle East we're dealing with, so there is little to no grey area unlike, eh hem, the USA.

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Why? Freedom. Safety. Beauty. Hospitality. Falafel. Shisha. Just kidding, not shisha!

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Sunset over the Jumeirah Beach area captured from my hotel room at the Hilton Dubai The Walk

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I want to share with you an article from a cool cat I admire, Mikkel Thorup, who lays out exactly which countries you can go to if you are unvaccinated. No hoops, no judgement, no mandates, no BS. Yeah, a COVID test may need to be presented just like Dubai (UAE) required, but it was well worth it to experience life on the other side of the globe! I am excited to say, this list is growing every week!

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Traveling today is no joke. There are so many things to consider and to be aware of, which is why you always want a professional in your corner in case things go wrong. This first quarter of 2022 has proved to be full of surprises and heartaches for many travelers. The summer travel outlook is looking just as turbulent. The fruits of the mandates coming into full swing is a nightmare, but it's Physics 101; if-this-then-that. Every action has a reaction. Remember that the next time you have the choice between spending your hard earned vacation dollars with a country that still has ridiculous entry protocols vs one who is welcoming you like it's 2019!

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Once you've read the list of countries open for business, let's talk! I've taught you before that the best time to book a vacation was yesterday; the next best time is now!

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To the next stamp in your passport,

Jen Maki
Jennifer@MyDivineVacation.com
​www.MyDivineVacation.com​
218-723-8747