Traveling to Cabo During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Traveling to Cabo during the Coronavirus Pandemic either seems like a really crazy idea or one of the best ideas we’ve had all year! With the pandemic nearing 8 months, many are itching for some time away. Because most other countries are closed to US citizens, many travelers have set their sites south of the border. Since opening it’s border in June, Mexico is currently one of the only countries available for American travelers.

Before I go any further I want to say, the intention of this article is not to encourage those in high-risk categories to jump on a plane to Mexico. However, everyone has to assess their own risks. If your future plans already include a trip to Los Cabos, I hope this information will put your mind at ease. Use this post as another tool to decide if a trip to Cabo makes sense for your unique situation.

Researching Travel During a Pandemic

When Dan first approached me about planning a trip to Mexico, I was really hesitant. Normally I would say yes in a heartbeat, but this time I needed a couple days to think on it. I wasn’t concerned about being in Mexico, my biggest concern was the flight.

Through my research, I discovered now is actually a great time to travel to Mexico. Airlines are taking steps to properly sanitize, reduce contact as well as requiring masks. According to Market Watch “the United States Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command recently released a report showing low aerosol transmission risk onboard commercial aircraft.” The Wall Street Journal reported that “cabin air is less of a concern; virtually all commercial jetliners are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, similar to those used in hospital operating room, capable of blocking 99.7% of airborne microbes. Cabin air is circulated vertically, from ceiling to floor, and refreshed every two to three minutes. Between flights, airplane cabins are scrubbed down with anti-microbial disinfectants.”

Another factor to consider is the reduction in capacity on flights, resorts, restaurants and beaches. This increases the ability to be socially distant thus decreasing the risk of catching covid-19. Airlines and hotels are currently reporting they are operating at 50% capacity compared to numbers from a year ago. This was all very reassuring, but the best reassurance was hearing testimonies from people who were actually in Cabo. For this reason, I have included a video of my experience at the end of this article.

Air Travel During Covid-19

There are some noticeable differences at the airports. Our experience took us from Portland to San Diego to San Jose del Cabo, but the drill was pretty much the same at each airport. Masks are required. Social distancing markers on the floor and on the seats at the departure gates encouraging travelers to keep a safe distance. With fewer people traveling, the lines at the TSA security check points were very short, as was the line to get through immigration once we landed in Mexico!

Because we were traveling internationally, there were a few new protocols that were implemented. Before we boarded our flight into Los Cabos, we had to take a photo with our masks removed. I would imagine due to all the face coverings, it might be more difficult to identify travelers. According to WUSA these photos are used to “confirm the identity of international travelers. Government officials could identify potential terrorists and prevent fraudulent use of travel documents.” On our flight, the quick photo was taken in the boarding line. Once we arrived in Mexico and before we entered immigration, we were required to fill out a questionnaire detailing our exposure to Covid-19. Thankfully, Mexico is not requiring Covid tests to gain entry, so I was more than fine filling out a simple questionnaire.

Combined with discounted airfare, Alaska Airlines was offering a special deal where we “get the entire row” during our flight. On board the plane, the meal and beverage service had been paired down, but now included a sanitizing wipe. Due to the reduced meal offerings, I brought my own snacks. Check out this charcuterie tray I created for our flight in to Cabo!

How Safe is Cabo During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Red Floral/ Plaid Face Mask

So what is it like right now in Mexico? Is it even safe?

Why Cabo is a Safe Place to Escape

Endless outdoor seating options
Social distancing on beaches
Vitamin D from the sun
Low capacity
Masks in public spaces
Disinfectant trays at business entries for washing shoes
Disinfectant booths to sanitize travelers before entering resorts
Contactless digital menus
Temperature checks in all stores and restaurants
Social distancing markers for waiting in line
Masks worn by all service workers
Hand sanitizer at check out counters and on tables in restaurants and in store entrances
Covid-19 appropriate sanitation of surfaces in restaurants and hotels

Looking at this list it may seem intense, but honestly it was quite impressive. It wasn’t bad at all. Everyone was happy to comply. You’ll be hard pressed to find grumpy people in Cabo.

Hand sanitizer is not in short supply in Cabo. In fact, quite the opposite! Without exception we saw hand sanitizer near the entrance to every restaurant, every store, every coffee shop and in every bathroom.

Self Care During the Pandemic

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable. Sometimes doing something spontaneous to escape a super crazy year is just what the doctor ordered! This year, anxiety and depression levels have increased significantly. People stuck at home dealing with isolation are really struggling to cope with all the stress this year has produced. Although it took 2-3 days to completely decompress from all the chaos and stress we were holding onto, once we were finally able to completely relax and let go, we felt totally rejuvenated. I can’t express enough how much of a mental break we all need during times of extreme stress. The mental and emotional burden we are all carrying right now is so toxic. Spending a week unplugged from the news, from social media and from other people’s opinions was life altering.

I hope you are able to recharge your batteries whether a trip to Cabo is in your future or not.

Safe travels,