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Covid-19 – Should you Book or Wait?

Big Group Happy Friends Runs And Having Fun At Sunset Beach

Do you remember the excitement of booking your next holiday and the anticipation as it drew nearer? The good news is holiday planning is possible again, provided you do your homework. 

As lockdown rules are slowly being lifted many people are asking whether it’s safe to book a summer holiday, either abroad or at home. 

We’ve endured the pandemic for nearly 18 months now, and no travel or holidays has become a frustrating norm. But can you wait any longer before you take a much needed break with your partner or family? And is it safe to book a trip or wait?

Let’s explore your travel options and the dos and don´ts of booking a holiday for summer 2021.

Where can you go in summer 2021?

At the moment there are 12 countries due to be added to the UK’s green list from 17 May, and these will be reviewed every 3 weeks. 

The green list is part of the traffic light system introduced by the government to indicate which countries you’re allowed to travel to. The list also contains amber and red countries. Upon your return, if you’ve travelled to a country on the amber list you must quarantine for 10 days and if you’ve visited a red country you must quarantine in a specified hotel and have 2 COVID-19 tests. 

The good news is if a country appears on the green list it means you don’t have to quarantine when you return to the UK. And to minimise your risk the list suggests which countries may return to amber from green.

The important thing is to check the country you want to visit’s entry requirements as you still may not be allowed in. If you’re planning to book a summer 2021 holiday you should keep an eye on this list as it’s updated. Here’s a useful link to check the latest situation: UK Green List.

From 17 May 2021 you can travel to countries such as Iceland, Israel or Portugal, but not France or Spain. So if you’re looking for a getaway with the kids with plenty of sun, sea and sand then Portugal’s your safest bet. Portugal has also stated it’s likely to return to restriction-free travel soon, making this a good reason to take a holiday to Portugal this summer.

 

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What are the risks of booking a summer 2021 trip now?

There’s nothing to stop you from booking a holiday from the UK to one of the green list countries, but you should be cautious and be aware of the potential risks. These are the things to consider when booking a summer 2021 trip:

– look for flexible booking policies that offer refunds or credit if your trip is cancelled, whether you book a package holiday, a hotel or an Airbnb

– read the small print when booking flights many operators now offer no charge flight changes

– check the current quarantine and social distancing rules in the country you want to visit (you may find yourself sunbathing in a mask!)

– are your travel plans flexible? – some companies are offering vouchers to alternative destinations if restrictions change 

– will you need proof you’ve been vaccinated for the country you’re visiting?

– will everyone in your party have been vaccinated?

Of course, you might prefer a staycation in the UK. The beaches of Devon and Cornwall or the Scottish Glens can be just as appealing as travelling abroad (Wales has some fantastic beaches too). And let’s face it, sometimes the kids don’t care where they are! Why not consider hiring a car and visiting those places in the UK you’ve never got around to seeing?

 

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Will there be good deals for summer 2021 holidays?

In general, prices seem to be rising, as travel companies seek to recoup the money they’ve lost over the last 18 months.

But don´t despair, there are travel bargains out there for you to enjoy a summer holiday with the kids or a romantic getaway with your other half. The secret is to do your research and consider new things. 

Perhaps you’ve never fancied a package holiday – now might be the time to try one if you’re searching for cheap deals. Or what about considering an Airbnb for a family holiday or a getaway with your partner? If you want a flexible holiday renting your own accommodation and a car could be the perfect solution.

Booking a holiday is nothing like it used to be, but with careful planning and understanding of the requirements, you should be able to enjoy a well-earned break with family or friends.

 

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