To expand a bit on how my TB experience was different from
ABD:
1. The emails said that vaccination or negative PCR within 72 hours of departure was required, and you had to sign a pledge to that effect, but it was on the honor system. I brought all of our documentation and was never asked to show it.
2. The first night the guide said he had to tell us you had to wear masks walking on and off the bus, but could go maskless in your seat if vaccinated. The bus driver the next morning flat out said masks were voluntary and only 2 kids wore masks for more than a couple days. No one seemed to be bothered. Teens sat in the back as normal.
3. While there were changes to meals due to COVID, like the nice restaurant at the Snow Lodge being takeout only, we still had dinners that were buffet or where we had arranged tables to seat groups of 8. There was no such thing as travel pods. Our dinner tables had no overlap with our river rafting group, etc.
4. No temp taking or daily screening or anything like that. people were just expected to behave and respond appropriately.
5. I went 5 full days without ever putting on a mask, and it seemed to be 95% like the pre-COVID experience. I think the one time masks were required was in the vans to rafting on the Snake River. The way the current ABD was described was how I understood the Winter in Yellowstone trips that went were… 6 months ago. I don’t think the ABD experience that was described is one that I would desire, and I don’t think it was really in keeping with the current reality and and guidance.
I think Tauck had the luxury of having done the survey and knowing that 98% of their patrons were vaccinated. There were maybe 4 kids out of 32 people too young to be vaccinated, and that people just assumed the risk, knowing that everyone was vaccinated or negative and were comfortable with the risk.