As the COVID-19 pandemic continues running its course, many travelers are itching to leave the United States at a time when it seems like most countries are closed to tourists.

Fortunately, you can still visit Mexico and many of the islands in the Caribbean. This guide explains everything you should know before you book your vacation - and what to expect when you get there.

Since Caribbean islands that are currently open to Americans have different standards for entry, you will want to do some research before you book a trip. You will most likely need to submit a negative COVID test before you can enter your chosen destination. For travel to Jamaica after March 10, 2021, for example, you need a negative COVID test result within 3 days of your travel date.

Where most Caribbean islands are requiring a negative COVID test for entry at minimum, Mexico does not have a testing requirement to visit for now. This means you can book your trip to Mexico and show up at the airport without being tested before you depart, although you will likely be subject to temperature checks and other security measures on both ends of your trip.

Most of the major resort brands in Mexico and the Caribbean are open and ready for business, including major brands like Playa Resorts, Palladium Hotel Group, most Sandals and Beaches properties, and Palace Resorts.

To protect tourists and staff, major resort brands are taking extra security measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At Palace properties like the Playacar Palace in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for example, they offer on-site COVID-19 antigen testing, improved ventilation and sanitation, hand sanitizing stations and more.

In destinations like Cancun and Los Cabos, many resorts are at or below just 30 percent capacity. This means you can wake up when you want without having to save a seat at the beach or pool, and that you can dine and relax without coming within several yards of your fellow guests.

President Biden recently signed an executive action that mandates mask-wearing in airports and on planes and other mass transit. You were probably planning to wear a mask anyway, but this is still good to know ahead of time. If you try to fly without wearing a mask, you will likely be booted off your plane.

Due to increased demand, now is a great time to save money on a vacation package to Mexico or the Caribbean. Even luxury resorts in destinations like Turks and Caicos, Mexico and Jamaica have lowered their rates, and you can easily shop around and save. For example, right now you can book the TRS Yucatan Adults-Only Resort in Riviera Maya in June for less than $300 per night.

Hoping to save on airfare? Whether you plan to pay with cash or airline miles, now is a great time to get a sweet deal on your flight. We suggest using Google Flights to search airfare prices from your home airport to Mexico or the Caribbean, mostly because this tool lets you search pricing for multiple destinations at once.

As of January 2021, travelers arriving in the United States from international locations like the Caribbean and Mexico are also required to present a negative COVID-19 test to board their plane home. This negative test result must be from within 3 days of the travel date to be eligible.

Fortunately, many resort brands including Playa Resorts, Palladium Hotel Group, Palace Resorts, Karisma Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts and more are all offering on-site testing for travelers. This means you can enjoy your vacation and let the resort take care of testing and delivering your results.

For a limited time, some resort brands are even including free quarantine in the event you test positive for COVID-19 before you depart from your trip. For example, Palladium Hotel Group is offering a Stay Safe program with free health insurance that includes up to 10 days of on-site quarantine in the event of a positive test result.

If you are worried about getting (or spreading!) COVID-19, it is definitely smart to research cases in various destinations before you select one for your trip. The Kaiser Family Foundation has an excellent tool that lets you track and compare COVID-19 cases and deaths by country in real-time.

Make sure you know about the travel authorizations required to visit specific Caribbean destinations, as well as any fees you will have to pay. To visit Anguilla, for example, you are required to apply online for your visit and pay some hefty fees. A couple who wants to visit for less than 5 days would have to pay $500 for two tests per person, surveillance and other costs.

Gone are the days of boozy flights and full meals served on fine china in business class - at least for now. Thanks to the pandemic, most airlines are offering little more than snack bags with bottled water, a Biscoff cookie and some crackers. The bottom line: You may want to pack some food for your flight.

Hoping to spread out and have some extra room on your international flight? You may be in luck. Flights have been running at low capacity already, and some airlines like Delta are continuing to block out middle seats for now.

Only you can decide whether to travel right now - and under what terms. If you decide to head to Mexico or the Caribbean for vacation, don't let the few extra steps required to ruin your trip. Go with an open mind and adjusted expectations, and you are sure to enjoy a tropical vacation you will remember for years to come.