Remember when travel was easy? You could choose a destination by throwing a dart at a map. All you needed for an international trip was a passport and a sturdy pair of walking shoes. And the only mask you wore on the flight was made of silk and covered your eyes. Those were the days.

The pandemic has upended the travel industry and, at least for the near future, changed the way we explore the world. Every aspect is different, from pre-trip planning to touring the destination to the return home. Now travelers must factor in such requirements as COVID testing and vaccination mandates to cross borders as well as patronize indoor establishments. To add to the confusion, the restrictions can vary by country and even by city or could change at the last minute. In addition, airlines and trains have established their own protocols.

And what about cruising? Ships have been trickling back to sea, but the experience will be new to even the most seasoned cruisers. But there are also some bright spots, such as the debut of several new low-cost carriers and a new cruise line—complete with tattoo parlor—helmed by Sir Richard Branson.

To assist aspiring travelers, Andrea Sachs, the Washington Post’s travel writer; Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media and editorial director of Frommer’s Guidebooks; and Karin King, deputy assistant secretary of state for overseas citizen services,  offer a field guide to the new and sometimes confounding landscape. They cover an array of topics including pandemic-era travel trends, travel insurance, and digital vaccination proof. The experts share the best resources for staying safe, healthy, and well-informed so you can relax on your long-overdue trip.

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.