Memorable Things To Do In Park City Utah

Category Archives: Travel/Outdoors

Covid Vaccine Passports: Everything You Need To Know

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Ready to shake off those cobwebs and travel in 2021? As the borders begin to loosen their velvet ropes, there is still a ton of confusion surrounding restrictions, quarantines, spikes, and vaccinations. Here’s what the CDC has presented this week:

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks and even fully vaccinated travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID-19 variants.

CDC recommends delaying international travel until you are fully vaccinated.

If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine:

You should continue to follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely and get tested 3-5 days after travel.

You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it.

You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.

But despite this announcement, misinformation continues to swirl around us. Here’s a quick roundup of truths and myths when it comes to traveling this spring-

You Will Need To Have A Covid Vaccine Passport To Travel

Covid “Vaccine passports” aren’t a thing, they don’t exist; at least not like those government passport blue ‘books’ you have to spend $110 on and wait an eon to receive. A vaccine passport is more like a concept where you show the vaccination card you got from the place that gave you your shot and it gets you past certain quarantine restrictions like those two-week waiting periods Hawaii had during the winter. It’s not a physical card you would have to pay for.

Furthermore, right now you could hop a plane to Mexico or Costa Rica (although it’s not recommended) without any testing or quarantine required, or proof of vaccination. Dozens of other countries, i.e. Kenya and Aruba, just ask for a recent negative test. (CNN has an up-to-date list here.)

There are a handful of countries—Belize, Ecuador, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Montenegro, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Iceland—where proof of vaccination currently allows you to bypass testing or quarantine requirements (though Iceland still requires all visitors to take a free, rapid Covid test upon arrival and quarantine until it shows negative). That list will likely grow, especially for travel to Europe, where officials just announced American travelers will be welcome this summer (exact dates/details still TBD).

But in almost all cases, unvaccinated travelers are still permitted.

BTW, free digital apps are coming —Travel Pass and CommonPass are two —that would allow you to store and flash your vaccination record so you didn’t have to worry about losing anything.

No Vaccine Means No Entry

There’s a lot of murmur out there that in order to travel internationally you’ll need proof of vaccination. Not exactly. Not one single destination has announced only vaccinated travelers can enter. What your vaccine does do is ease your entry. Many countries require a recent negative test or proof of recent infection like a positive antibody test in order to gain entry. But if you have been vaccinated, you get to bypass those requirements and step right in. Of course, restrictions vary from country to country and, with the COVID-19 variants, even fully vaccinated travelers need to pay close attention to what’s going on with their particular destination.

For example, anyone coming into the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated folks, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the US.

You Have to Be Vaccinated to Travel Within the U.S.

Not even close to being true. Hawaii is the only state that currently requires all visitors to show a recent negative COVID test before flying. Without one, travelers must quarantine for 10 days. But Hawaii plans to soon allow vaccinated travelers to bypass that requirement. The other 49 states simply ask that you stay six feet apart and recommend you wear a mask. To find out what states specifically request, sign up for alerts through the CDC or go here.

A viral TikTok video floated around the web warning Americans that their white cards were no good for travel. They would need a yellow WHO vaccine “passport” to go overseas. Phooey. There is no country in the world that has confirmed this. Your little white CDC card is solid proof of Covid vaccination.
The yellow vaccine passports—International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis— is a legit product and countries like those in Africa have required it for years – but as proof of other vaccines. but zero countries require it for Covid-19.

To Be Fully Vaccinated, It Needs To Have Been At Least Two Weeks Since Your Final Injection

Yep. No getting around this one.

You’ll Need Proof Of Vaccination To Fly

If your destination doesn’t require a vaccine, neither will the airline you take to get there. That said, if you’re flying to where vaccinated travelers can bypass testing/quarantine requirements, expect the airline to ask you for proof of vaccination before your flight and when you arrive at your destination.

Kids Can’t Get A Covid Vaccine Passport

Currently in the U.S., only those over 16 can get vaccinated. (Pfizer is waiting for FDA approval to vaccinate 12-15 year olds.) If you’re traveling somewhere that lets vaccinated visitors bypass Covid requirements, your kids won’t be able to skip those. The simple solution is to have them Covid tested before departure and upon arrival. Every country that’s adopted covid vaccine passports is allowing in unvaccinated kids with a negative test.

Now that you’re clear on this stuff, on your mark, get set, go! Put those Revenge Travel panties on, along with your mask, and stop wasting away like Miss Havisham.

Outdoor Research Essential Face Mask Kit | REI Co-op regularly $20.00 on sale $9.83

How To Have The Best Ski Trip With Friends

Jill Adler Leave a comment

I once invited a guy I barely knew to take a ski trip to Canada with me. Big FREAKING mistake. You see, my boyfriend at the time bailed at the last minute and I had to punt. I didn’t want to go alone and I wanted Brad to know he wasn’t the only one in my life that could keep me company. So I asked Anthony; a guy who had been pursuing me and who seemed “nice enough”. Long story short- DO NOT EVER TRAVEL INTIMATELY WITH A STRANGER. Duh. Halfway through the trip, Anthony was sharing a hotel room with someone else and I wished he was dead. Plus, the snow sucked that year.

Traveling with family is tough enough but planning a ski trip (road or otherwise) with friends is even more risky. At least with family you are aware of the dynamics, buttons and personalities of the parties and have had practice dealing with them.

You could go it alone and I usually prefer traveling that way. But while solo adventures can be amazingly satisfying, sharing your adventures with your tribe can be even better…sla you know them before you go if you want to have the best ski trip with friends.

Together you brainstorm activities, plan and share your explorations, and split expenses. But just you wait before diving into booking that condo and lift tickets for six. Without preplanning you might find yourself without a best friend or boyfriend by the end of the trip.

The close quarters of a 6-hour drive or six-night hotel room demands compromise. Are you good at politics? Is your friend? Does one person want to plan everything while everyone else follows sheepishly? Who gets the master? On a group ski trip to Japan, I shared a hotel room with a girl who spent every day trying to sell me on her MLM health supplements, telling me that they would make me feel better and bring me more income when, no, I just needed a moment of peace and my Cup o Noodles.

Here are some ski trip tips for those who don’t want to hate each other by the time you check out.

Who’s Going On Your Ski Trip

Will this be a girls’ trip, a guys’ trip, a couples trip, a multiple-family trip? Will everyone know each other? Not everyone will like each other but you can minimize some of the drama when you vet your future bunkmates. Who snores? Who hates Trump? Who has issues with altitude? Who doesn’t drink? Who’s on a tight budget? That kind of stuff should be considered when you’re hoping for the best ski trip ever.

Plan Ahead to Have The Best Ski Trip Possible

Before you book the room, rental car, restaurants, gear, or lift tickets have an open conversation. Are you splitting the booking responsibility but sharing in all expenses? Are you going to book everything individually including the hotel rooms and meet on the hill or for dinner? Will there be down days and are you all going snowmobiling or tubing? Who would rather spa than ski? Any vegans in the group? Beginners who should be taking ski lessons so they don’t get hurt trying to keep up with more aggressive skiers? Cooking in the condo or dining at expensive restaurants? Up all night in the hottub or early to bed/early to rise? When it comes to a ski vacation, leave no stone unturned.

Compromise when taking a Ski Trip with friends

It’s likely that one member of your group will rise as the leader, especially if they are familiar with the resort or the most experienced ski traveler in the bunch but still check in with each participant so they feel included and validated.

Make sure everyone gets something they want out of the trip. Maybe someone hopes to stroll Main Street or try that hip new restaurant they read about in Forbes. Maybe one friend can’t wait to go snow tubing or someone ALWAYS gets to the lifts before they open. Try to find ways to make everyone feel like their interests are considered even if there isn’t enough time to do everything.

Don’t be afraid to split up on your Ski Trip With Friends

Even if you think you’re totally in sync, we can’t all be soulmates. Make sure everyone knows it’s okay to do your own thing so there are no hurt feelings when the time comes to split up. Besides, you’ll still be together more than apart. Plus, getting personal space provides a chance to regroup before a fight breaks out or heads explode.

Set boundaries

If you must sleep in, let your party know that you won’t be bullied into rising at 7 a.m. When you don’t want to go out to a $100 dinner every night speak up. You would be surprised how quickly the knot in your stomach forms when you are coerced into doing something that goes against your grain. If you are clear about your expectations up front it’s hard to take it personally when you shut the door in their face. Even in close quarters try to give others privacy and space.

What are the Non Negotiables?

Make sure everyone creates their “must do” checklist. Compare and see what you can do together and what you’ll need to factor in for yourself. For example, if someone wants to learn to snowboard at Park City, three others want to ski Deer Valley and one wants to hang at the condo by the fire, you can split up without anyone feeling bored, guilty, or like they’re missing out because it was on the list.

Are you ready to start planning?

We’re here to help with any questions about visiting Park City so feel free to leave comments!

Travel/Outdoors

Igloo and Dome Dining During Covid-19

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Not too long ago, we’d never dream of eating outside in the winter. Hot food instantly turns cold along with your fingers, toes and nose. Can you say unpleasant? But with all of the new rules surrounding Covid-19 safety like limited seating or full-indoor closures, resort restaurants have been forced to get creative or lose their businesses.

No indoor dining, you say? We’ll do you one better and offer really expensive indoor-outdoor dining for your vacation pleasure. How’s that for finding a silver lining to the Covid-19 ski season circus? Enter tent, yurt, igloo and dome dining. Even old gondolas find a new home this winter.

Colorado Dining Cabs

In Steamboat Springs, Mountain Tap Brewery has taken three, bright purple gondolas and repurposed them with electric heating, Bluetooth speakers, twinkly lights and room for up to six friends to safely dine and drink.

Telluride also has set out 20 newly refurbished, heated, ventilated and socially distanced buckets. Up to eight guests can sit on plush seats, and order from 12 different restaurants around the plaza.

At Aurum Food and Wine in Breckenridge and Steamboat, you can climb inside a yurts, bundle up with quilts and lanterns and feast on a special chef’s multi-course meal.

Vail, Colo., restaurants have also gotten into the game by adding heated tents and igloos.

Utah’s Yurts Igloo and Dome Dining

alpenglobe dome dining at Stein Eriksen Lodge Deck

Courtesy of Stein Eriksen Lodge

Speaking of igloos, Alpenglobes are all the rage in the Beehive State. The Utah-based company designs these clear domes to offer diners a 360-degree, panoramic view from posh spot like the deck of the Stein Eriksen Lodge and Butcher’s Chophouse in Park City. It’ll cost you $200 for 90 minutes but what’s that kind of money compared to the company of good friends and family on vacation. Plus you get adjustable heating, Bluetooth music dimmable chandeliers, mountain views and cocktails.

The Wasatch Brew Pub at the top of Main Street in Park City erected their own cool little igloos to serve Covid-conscious diners. Each dome seats up to eight people and reservations are required.

And at the bottom of Main, you’ll spot another Alpenglobe for whiskey fans. The High West Distillery’s Nelson Cottage . The eight guests not only get those panoramic views, heat, and ventilation but variable mood lighting as well. They won’t be able to dine off a full menu but can get sips and snacks.

The Yurt Village at The St. Regis Deer Valley is quite the spectacle over at the hotel’s “Ski Beach.” Three custom-made yurts feature mahogany lattices, plexiglass for stargazing and radiant heat. They are themed based on the 2002 Olympics events that were held at Deer Valley (Aerials, Moguls and Slalom) and seat eight for a gourmet mountain meal.

All of these unique dining spectacles come with a high pricetag, demand and limitations. Most can seat only 6- 8 guests and are booked up well in advance. There is also a food and beverage minimum ranging from $200 – $400 (depending on the date and time) plus tax and gratuity. But getting engaged, having a birthday, only taking one vacation during a pandemic? If you can score one just once, it might be totally worth the splurge.

Covid-19 Travelers’ Remorse

Jill Adler One comment

I’m getting on a plane tomorrow. I’m terrified. The Covid-19 pandemic isn’t even close to being over but, you see, three months ago we thought the ‘moment’ would pass. We jumped on a deal to fly to Boston for less than $200 and a no questions asked cancellation policy. We figured since we always visit Ryan’s family in the summer, this craziness would be over by July and we could get back to business as usual. If not, we could cancel. I never considered Covid-19 Travelers’ Remorse.

Well, it’s not back to normal and we didn’t cancel. Ah, the price of one’s life; or the fragile human ego believing it won’t be enslaved by a virus. Summer is travel time; contagions be damned. But, please, don’t use us an the example. Traveling right now is the stupidest thing you could do.

Stay-at-home orders are once again spreading as fast as the disease, with states/cities implementing two-week, self quarantines for travelers. I don’t know about you but I’m not interested in a three-week vacation where most of it is spent in lock down like the one in Hawaii. Currently, Massachusetts and Utah have no restrictions but with the sharp rise in cases in the beehive state it wouldn’t surprise me to come home to a quarantine.

Will you get on a plane or even roadtrip this summer? And once you get to your destination, can a hotel really be any safer than that plane? According to an article on POPSUGAR, “This risk comes from interacting with fomites — objects or surfaces that are likely to carry infection — or interacting with infected people. The risk in a hotel environment could come from interacting with hotel employees, such as front desk staff or housekeeping staff, or with other hotel guests.” There’s the public you pass on the stairs, the elevator, the restrooms, business centers, gyms, pool and dining areas. Free breakfast? Fogedaboutit. Then there are the little danger zones you might miss – that doorknob, tv remote, alarm clock button, pens you used to sign in with, the railing, the elevator button.

But Marriott says they’re COVID safe!? Those “enhanced cleaning regimens” the big chains speak of are a smokescreen to lure you back into their beds. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only essential travel is advised. You’re risking infection and/or spreading the virus on your return. Like a spy in a Netflix show, you’re never safe- airports, gas stations, rental car counters, and cafes. Boy, does this scenario suck for the warriors like me.

Have I succeeded in scaring anyone? If you all stay home then I can travel safely!

Wearing masks and social distancing is like wearing an expired condom- it may work; it may not. At least there’s no hotel for me. But I’m still bringing wipes, hand sanitizer and my mask, staying six feet away from the kid brother who has been out regularly partying with friends at the beach and you all can go ahead and go to that restaurant without me. I’m a cancer survivor with a normally shitty immune system. Not that I’m constantly sick but, yeah, cancer.

So, here I am about to board my Delta flight. Unlike the shitshow happening over on American and United, my middle seat will be empty and everyone will be wearing masks. This may be my first and last flight of the year. Just saying.

Here’s some interesting advice from that POPSUGAR post, if you are planning a hotel stay, “ask for a room that no one, not guests nor housekeeping staff, have entered in the past three days” so “viral copies are deactivated before you arrive”. HA! Good luck with that request.

Adventure

Winter Snowflakes in Lousiana!

Jill Adler Leave a comment

If you live in the west, you might think that Louisiana is immune to winter but the folks of Shreveport beg to differ. Starting November 30, 2019, the first floor of Sci-Port Discovery Center will transform into a winter oasis.

A new exhibit called Sno-Port: The Science and Wonders of Snowflakes blankets the first floor of the 92,000-square-foot Discovery Center, and will include interactive exhibitions and activities. The installation includes a blizzard tunnel, “Make-a-Flake,” ice fishing, and a chair lift ride, to bring winter to visitors of the Pelican State. The interactive displays will run for 10 weeks.

Why Winter in Lousiana?

“Sno-Port is a perfect example of how Sci-Port serves as an anchor to bring the resources of our community together to provide unique educational opportunities,” said Dianne Clark, executive director of Sci-Port Discovery Center. “We’re so excited to be included in this year’s holiday activities in Shreveport-Bossier.”

Throughout the month of December, Sci-Port Discovery Center will collaborate with local organizations and businesses to host pop-up shops and restaurants. Learning Express Toys will set up a gift shop near Sno-Port that will feature a variety of snow-related toys and games. Shreveport’s Milam Street Kitchen Incubator and Community Kitchen will curate a series of pop-up restaurants during the month of December. A different pop-up being featured each week during Sci-Port’s regular hours of operation on Thursdays through Sundays.

Each immersive, interactive exhibit incorporates different fields of science, including geoscience, biology, physics, mathematics, architecture, engineering, computer science, and chemistry. Educational aspects of this exhibit directly relate to the emphasis on S.T.E.M. learning in American education.

What Does Winter in Louisiana Look Like?

Morph into a snowflake in the Blizzard Tunnel. Make a snowflake as individual as you are to hang in the sky with hundreds of other snowflakes. Grab a pole and go ice fishing in the digital ice pond. Toss a “snowball” into the snow castle windows to make the bells ring. Hang out in an over-sized igloo where you can “chill” and use your imagination to create your own objects made from foam ice blocks.

End your snowflake journey in the Sci-Port Planetarium on the Red River Rocket. Feel the excitement of take-off with the sensation of cool wind on your face as you trek your way through a virtual reality snow blizzard in downtown Shreveport and Bossier City.

The Details

Winter continues through Jan. 30, 2020, but throughout the month of December, Sci-Port Discovery Center will collaborate with local organizations and businesses to host pop-up shops and restaurants.

Tickets and times to Sno-Port: The Science and Wonders of Snowflakes are here. For more information on Sci-Port Discovery Center or Sno-Port: The Science and Wonders of Snowflakes, visit http://www.sci-port.org.

Once you book your room, here are some other fun things to do Shreveport!

Family

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