On Jan. 26, another change to the travel industry officially starts — all incoming travelers to the United States need a negative COVID test upon entering.

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At first, I thought this was another blow to the industry, but after reading several articles from industry veterans, I realize this is a step most wanted in order to begin an across-the-board rule on travel, one that will hopefully replace mandatory quarantines that cost travelers tons of extra money/time and virtually stop travel to many cities.

Depending on the countries or cities you are traveling from, getting a COVID test might be a trial, but many hotels are already offering on-site tests as an amenity which will hopefully put them ahead of the game.

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As Baha Mar begins to open, its hotel properties are providing testing, like the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, now providing on-site COVID-19 testing upon arrival and departure, available at the Nassau resort complex.

My favorite Mexico hotel chain is going a step beyond. Posadas is offering free rapid tests in its La Coleccion properties (all Live Aqua and most Fiesta Americana resorts). They are rolling out free antigen testing at all beach properties across Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The on-site antigen tests can be scheduled through each property’s concierge 36 hours prior to departure.

The greatest part: In the event of a positive test between the time of check-in and check-out, La Coleccion will offer guests a quarantine stay at a discounted nightly rate of $10 per night per person. La Coleccion properties will also cover telehealth assistance for up to 72 hours, hotel expenses during recovery and other services and amenities at an extra cost of $4 per night.

As we continue to navigate travel during these times, it is amazing to see hotels, destinations and airlines step up to make travel easier.

— Carly Allen, executive vice president, associate publisher