08 April 2022

(information correct on 8th April 2022) It’s no secret that the requirement to complete a private PCR or Antigen Test prior to travel has not been well received. Not only does it cause concern immediately prior to travel as you anxiously await the results but there is also an added expense which really adds up for families. When the UK recently removed the need for any tests for arrivals, regardless of vaccination, there was a huge sigh of relief amongst travel fans and travel agents. And now with the recent removal of the Passenger Locator Forms travel feels, dare I say it, back to normal to a great extent. Several countries have since then followed suit and not just if you are vaccinated. Here is my run down on where you can travel without the need for a pre-departure test. UNVACCINATED OR VACCINATED • Cuba – no forms needed either • Costa Rica • Dubai – all travellers over 12 may be required to take a test on arrival • Gibraltar – no forms needed either • Hungary – no forms needed either • Iceland – no forms needed either • Maldives • Mexico – no forms needed either • Montenegro - no forms needed either • Poland – no forms needed either • Madeira and Porto Santo, Portugal – The Azores and mainland Portugal have different requirements. • Sweden • Slovenia VACCINATED ONLY - AGED 12 AND ABOVE • Abu Dhabi – aged 16+ must be fully vaccinated • Austria • Botswana – children under 12 travelling with vaccinated adults will need negative pre-departure test • Brazil – children aged 2-11 will need to provide negative pre-departure test. • Canada – arrivals may be selected for an arrival test • Germany • Jersey - all vaccinated travellers will also be required to take a test on arrival • Malta – children aged 5-11 will need a negative test • Netherlands • Seychelles • Turkey VACCINATED OR VACCINATED AND TRAVELLING WITH UNVACCINATED CHILDREN • Antigua – aged 5-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test • Argentina - aged 5-17 are recommend providing a negative test OR full vaccination record • Belgium - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • Bulgaria - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • Cape Verde - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • Croatia - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • Cyprus - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • Dominican Republic - aged 7-17 require full vaccination record OR negative pre-departure test. • Egypt - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • France - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test. • Gambia • Greece - aged 5-17 can provide either a certificate of recovery, negative test or full vaccination record. • India - aged 5-17 will need to provide a negative test or full vaccination record • Italy - aged 6-17 will need to provide a negative test or full vaccination record • Mauritius – you will however be required to take a test on arrival • Namibia - aged 5-17 will need to be fully vaccinated OR have a negative test result • Oman – under 18s do not need vaccination or tests • Portugal including Azores - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test • Spain including Canary Islands and Balearic Islands - aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test • Sri Lanka – aged 12-17 require full vaccination record OR pre-departure test • South Africa - aged 5-17 will either need to be fully vaccinated OR provide proof of a negative pre-departure test. • Switzerland • St Lucia – all unvaccinated travellers including children must provide negative test • Tanzania - aged 5-17 will either need to be fully vaccinated OR provide proof of a negative pre-departure test. • Tunisia Fully vaccinated means different things to different countries but in general the UK vaccination scheme and COVID pass is accepted. In some countries you are only classed as fully vaccinated if you have had a booster when your 2nd dose was administered between 180 and 270 days ago. Your second dose must also have been administered more than 14 days before travel for most countries. As always this guidance is subject to change and is correct at the time of writing. Please always check with your travel agent (me!) and/or FCDO guidance to start with.

31 March 2022

March 2022 is now over and if you have plans to be abroad in March 2023 this is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning for it. So where should you think about going? The UK weather can still be a bit of a game of two halves in March or at least it certainly appears to be. Whilst I am experiencing sunny but cool days, colleagues and friends further up north are having snow flurries. The sunny teasers though do remind me how wonderful it is to be in sunnier climates so if you are well and truly done with the winter blues then here are some ideas on where to escape to. March is generally free from school holidays so if you are lucky to not be guided by school holidays you could avoid the crowds by travelling at this time of the year. If sunshine and relaxation is what you are after you are then heading west to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Caribbean Islands like Antiqua if you are after temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s Celsius. Mexico and Costa Rica will offer family friendly adventure holidays with a side of stunning coastline and sandy beaches. By heading east to Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and the Middle East you can also expect temperatures in low to mid 30s. March, being in the middle of the best time to visit the Maldives, can be a bit pricier than later in the year but you will be getting lower humidity and rainfall. If SCUBA diving with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays is on your list you can also expect great visibility. At this time of year in Costa Rica the season is drier and offers opportunities to explore the coast, cloud forest, volcanoes, and white-water rivers. Rain showers are still likely, but you will also avoid the crowds as it is after the US holiday period. South-East Asia also starts hotting up at this time of year as they move into their dryer seasons. Why not venture to Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia? If you’re looking for a bucket list trip and have a few more pennies to spend March is also a great time to go further afield to Australia or New Zealand with temperatures in the low to mid 20s. Argentina or Chile in South America also offer great opportunities to explore your adventurous side and with Iquazu Falls, Argentina in full flow it is a natural wonder not to be missed. A little closer to home (UK), March is a great time to get some European city breaks booked in. Temperatures are warming up but still just below 20 degrees so not quite fly and flop on a beach weather but with longer evenings you can maximise your time exploring a city in daylight hours. If you do however want some sunshine and beach without the travel then Cyprus, with temperatures in the high 20s could suit you perfectly. With cool sunny days though you can still expect a bit of respite and also lots of lush greenery. Other destinations that are perfect to visit in February are Thailand, Philippines, Hawaii and Fiji.

17 February 2022

February 2022 is nearly over but this is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning for a holiday in February 2023. So where should you think about going? February half-term is a popular time to head to colder climates for the last part of the ski season or to delight in all the wintry activities in Finnish Lapland or take in the wonder of the Northern Lights in Iceland. With longer days in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year, you will have more daylight hours to enjoy all the activities on offer. Other cooler destinations to visit in February is Quebec province in Canada or Wyoming, USA. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming empties in the winter months and is closed to cars but still accessible by snow coach or snowmobile. Animals congregate around the erupting geysers and hot springs for warmth, and it is easier to spot grey wolves against the white snow. A little closer to home, quite a bit warmer and a short hop for a quick half-term dose of vitamin D why not head to Ibiza. A much quieter time of the year, you will find plenty of wellness and rejuvenating holidays on offer to give you a boost for the rest of the year. Southern Portugal will also have plenty to offer with fewer crowds and more greenery to admire. The waters may be too cold for swimming, but the beaches are still just as inviting, and the cooler climate makes other activities such as cycling or hiking much more bearable for exploring. If you fancy a wilder holiday and have more time available than a 1-week then Kenya and/or Tanzania will provide you with unforgettable wildlife experiences and scenery. This is also the most popular time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro when the weather is warm, clear, and dry. With many of my suppliers offering this as a tour I can help get you there but can’t help with the training. That is all up to you and will be an extremely rewarding adventure to share when you get home. Fancy going further east then South-East Asia will have a lot to offer at this time of year. Cambodia is dry but not sweltering making it even more pleasant to explore the vast and ancient temples of Angkor as well as enjoying the coastline and inland jungles. In the Philippines it is peak Whale Shark season so head to Donsol on Luzon Island for the best place to snorkel with the biggest fish in the sea. Australia offers plenty of great options at this time of year. Head to Adelaide to embrace the Fringe Festival or escape the city heat by hiring a houseboat on the Murray River and enjoy the gentle breeze whilst sipping refreshing drinks on your deck. Prefer sea to river then head to the Gold Coast at what is generally a quieter time of year as schools are back in full swing. The sea is still free of jellyfish so you can cool off in the surf. Head a bit further south and escape a bit of the heat by heading inland to the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Bushwalking, climbing, biking, and kayaking are all popular activities and with an abundance of wildflowers at this time of year you’ll have plenty to look at. If you are missing the joy of celebrating the New Year and hankering after a party atmosphere then look no further than Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. February is the month of the infamous Rio Carnival. For many this is a bucket-list experience to witness the millions of people all sequinned up, samba-ing, dancing and drinking in one of the most spectacular cities home to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Definitely not to be missed. If you have made it as far as Brazil you may as well head to Mendoza, Argentina too. Vineyards are at their ripest ready for the March harvest and with plenty to celebrate. Other destinations that are perfect to visit in February are Mexico, Maldives, Thailand, Caribbean and Sri Lanka.

15 February 2022

The detail regarding travel requirements is ever changing so I will start this blog by saying this information is correct as of today, 15th February. Please therefore only use this as a guide and always double check the latest FCDO travel advice or consult your travel provider if you are unsure. Something else to note is that whilst the UK may have relaxed its rules for entry if you are vaccinated, you will also need to know what the restrictions are for where you are travelling. This guidance is only in relation to entry requirements related to coronavirus. Any visa requirements for entry are in addition to this so please check with your travel provider. When returning to the UK if you are vaccinated you are only required to complete a Passenger Locator Form in the 48 hrs before arrival. Fully vaccinated in the UK is confirmed as having 2 doses of a vaccine. Children aged 17 and under follow rules for vaccinated adults, regardless of vaccination status. When returning to the UK if you are NOT vaccinated you are required to take a PCR test 2 days prior to travel which must be negative, complete a passenger locator form prior to travel and have a pre-booked PCR test to take by day 2 after your arrival in the UK. You do not need to self-isolate or quarantine unless you have received an unclear or positive test result. Children aged 17 and under are exempt from testing and self-isolating requirements, regardless of vaccination status. I thought I would just highlight a few of the most popular destinations and their entry rules as well as some destinations which are open to unvaccinated travellers. So now we have briefly highlighted what is needed to return to the UK, where can you go with minimal effort? Fully vaccinated passengers only Spain – you do not need any pre-departure tests if you want to travel to Spain however, you will need to complete an online health form. If you are travelling with children aged 12-17 they are required to be fully vaccinated with the second dose being more than 14 days before travel. For all passengers, if a second vaccine dose was administered more than 270 days ago you will need to have received a booster vaccine to be classed as fully vaccinated. Greece – you do not need any pre-departure tests but will need to complete the online passenger form before travel and provide proof of vaccination. To be fully vaccinated for Greece your second dose must not be more than 180 days old, if it is you will need a booster. If you are travelling with children over the age of 5 they will need to comply with the same entry requirements as the adults. France – only very recently France have removed the need for pre-departure testing. All arrivals over the age of 12 will need to confirm vaccination status. The second dose must not be less than 7 days before travel and if the second dose is more than 270 days old you will need a booster. Children aged 12-14 can however travel within France as part of the Pass Sanitaire which requires them to have a negative test result every 24hrs to keep it updated. Children aged 15-17 will need to be fully vaccinated. Arrivals in France will also need to complete a sworn statement confirming their vaccination status and that they have not been in contact with a positive covid case in the 14 days prior to travel. Portugal – you will be required to show proof of full vaccination status with the second dose administered between 14 and 270 days before travel. If more than 270 days you will need to have had the booster. You will also need to complete a passenger locator form. All children 11 and under are exempt from the above. USA – you will need to provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 1 day prior to travel. You will also need to provide proof of vaccination status and complete a locator form. Children 17 and under are exempt from the vaccination requirement and children under 2 do not need a pre-departure test. Barbados – provide proof of a negative PCR test taken in the 3 days before arrival or 1 day before if a rapid PCR test has been administered. Unvaccinated passengers (the following requirements also apply to vaccinated passengers) (Please be aware of requirements for return to the UK in addition to the country you are visiting) Maldives – all travellers will need a negative test taken no later than 96 hrs before departure and to complete a health form. Dubai – all travellers will need a negative test taken no later than 48 hrs before departure. Mexico - register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight to Mexico, and to show the QR code upon arrival at the airport. You may be subject to health screening on arrival if you are showing any symptoms. South Africa - you will need to produce a negative PCR COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before your departure. Children under 5 do not require a PCR test. Just a reminder that these restrictions will be subject to change, and I advise you to always check at the time of booking and right up to the time of travel. As always please do not hesitate to get in touch so I can arrange your next amazing holiday! katherine.cornell@travelcounsellors.com 01872 230 036

01 February 2022

Veganuary may have just finished but with plant-based diets being linked to being beneficial for the environment as well as for ourselves, this might be a change you are looking to implement more permanently or more frequently, if you haven’t already. In the UK, making the choice to follow a plant-based diet has become easier in recent years, with many more convenient choices available to us in supermarkets and restaurants. Can we still have that authentic travelling experience and enjoy all the amazing cuisine on offer worldwide whilst still trying to adhere to a plant-based diet despite many cultures still relying on animal sources as their main food source? Yes you can, you’ll just need to be a bit more careful with your choices and watch out for some hidden extras. Here a few destinations you might want to try for your next venture. Taiwan The Taiwanese government actively promote a vegetarian diet as a healthy choice and with at least 10% of the population following a vegetarian diet, vegetarian food can be easy to find. Dairy isn’t very common here either and it is quite obvious to spot when it is being used. In Taiwan you’ll find plenty of choice for vegetarian restaurants as well as cheap buffet options. Expect healthy vegetable and beancurd dishes including mock meat dishes made of gluten or soya. Be careful though to look out for fish in the sauces if you are following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet. India Restaurant menus in India often differentiate between Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options. Avoiding dairy could prove tricky in the north and some vegetarian options in the pricier restaurants might involve paneer, a type of cottage cheese. Coconut milk is quite prevalent in the southern regions so trying to avoid dairy is rarely a problem. Most southern dishes are predominantly vegetable based and typical dishes include masala dosa (rice pancake served with potato or vegetable filling) and idli (steamed rice cake with curry or chutneys). Be careful to look out for Ghee, a clarified butter used in most dishes. Jordan You might think of a lamb kebab as a typical Middle Eastern dish but actually mezze dishes, which are mostly vegetarian, are extremely popular in this region. Fill your plate with hummus, baba ghanoush (aubergine cooked with tomato and onion), grilled vegetables and bean dishes. Street food favourites like falafel are cheap, filling, and delicious! Start your day with Ful Medames – fava beans, boiled and crushed or Mujaddara, a lentil and rice dish. You’ll find an abundance of olives, tomatoes, lemons, and herbs to add extra taste to your meals and leave you with a healthy glow. Other countries in the region like Lebanon, Egypt and much of the Middle East are brilliant for vegans too. Be careful to request that yoghurt has not been mixed into your dishes. It can be easily spotted but sometimes it is mixed in before serving. Sri Lanka Here you will find a huge range of vegetarian curries available which are usually served with rice. If you still enjoy a ‘meaty’ texture to your curries why not try a Jackfruit Curry. Other possibly unfamiliar vegetables you’ll find a lot of here include breadfruit, gourds, murunga and plantain. Other popular dishes include Hopper – a bowl-shaped pancake made from coconut milk batter which is typically served with egg in the middle although other choices are available depending on the establishment. Check if your hopper can be served plain or with a vegan option in it. Alternatively, String Hoppers are rice noodles usually served with dahl or curry but beware they do enjoy their curries quite hot! Sri Lanka is another destination where ghee is popular, so always check in advance. If you are looking for on the go tips and ideas on where to eat try the Happy Cow app – a directory of restaurants for many cities worldwide.

27 January 2022

January 2022 is nearly over but this is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning for a holiday in January 2023. So where should you think about going? If, after the typically busy and indulgent Christmas festivities, you just want to unwind, relax and get some sunshine on your skin to banish those winter blues, you might want to consider the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida - USA or the Canary Islands if you want shorter flight. Grenada is known as the spice island for good reason. Here you can expect to indulge in tasty meals created using a range of spices on an island known for its nutmeg heritage. Grenada also produces exceptional chocolate. If you aren’t enjoying the spectacular beaches like Grand Anse or indulging in delicious food you can also experience spectacular snorkelling and diving excursions. St Lucia is covered in rainforest and plantations but here you can expect plenty of opportunities to relax on the stunning beaches or begin your new year detox with a huge array of spa treatments available for which this island is now well known. South Beach, Miami offers relaxing beaches with nightlife and shopping in easy reach. Alternatively, hire a car and head to the keys or fly into Orlando for a fun filled family holiday at Disney World or Universal Studios or both. If you’d prefer to have a short haul break then the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria might have what you need. Not only can you expect to relax on the beach or by the pool in warm temperatures, but you may also want to venture out to explore the volcanic landscape or work up an appetite partaking in watersports. A holiday isn’t always about chasing the sun and January is typically the time of year to have the annual visit to a ski resort or try it out for the first time. Places of note for short haul skiing are Switzerland, Austria, and France however, Bulgaria and Slovenia are also growing in popularity and offer good opportunities for budget conscious travellers. Long haul ski options from the UK include Whistler, Canada or Colorado, USA with no fewer than 25 ski areas appealing to all levels. Whilst in Whistler, Canada why not extend your stay with a visit to Vancouver or have a ‘ski safari’ of sorts by visiting other nearby resorts. If a full week off is not an option but you want to grab a long weekend city break, why not opt for Budapest, Hungary or Vienna, Austria. Budapest offers plenty of opportunities to explore with visits to the Artists Village and Buda’s Castle Hill which can then be reflected on whilst you warm yourself up in the thermal baths. Vienna in January is full of glitz and glamour in the famed ball season. You’ll need to pack glitzy dresses and a tux and book tickets in advance, but a little preparation can lead to an evening of waltzing the night away at one of the 300+ balls. If you are looking for something adventurous and perhaps a wildlife encounter then head to Uganda to trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest before coming face-to-face with Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. A visit to the Serengeti, Tanzania will enthral any visitor as you witness the Wildebeest feasting on the plains to fatten up before calving and embarking on their treacherous migration. Botswana is typically on the high-end scale of pricing due to the policy of keeping visitor numbers low but a visit here in January, the ‘green season’, sees prices drop dramatically. Visitor numbers are also lower than other times of the year but wildlife can be plentiful. Celebrate a second Christmas on the 7th January when visiting Lalibela, Ethiopia. Here you can witness the devotees visiting the churches carved into solid rock to celebrate Leddet or Gena (Christmas). The Andaman Coast of Thailand overs sunseekers an adventurous option too and attracts rock climbers to Krabi to scale the karst-rock outcrops. This can also be combined with adventures under the water with stunning diving and snorkelling options too. Other great destinations to consider at the beginning of the year include; Sri Lanka, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India.

31 January 2021

Travel to Europe post-Brexit (all details correct up to and including 31 January 2021) The UK has officially been out of Europe now for a month but whilst we are still in a national lockdown, and not permitted to travel, future travel plans are never from our thoughts, so it is worthwhile noting what changes to expect. 1. Check the validity of your passport – as with most international destinations it is essential that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the end date of your trip. Passports should also be less than 10 years old. Travel to Ireland still requires a form of ID which does not have to be a passport – photocard driving licenses are a good option. 2. Healthcare – previously issued EHICs (Europe Health Insurance Card) will continue to be valid until the expiry date however, the UK has also introduced a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) as a new replacement for accessing state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in Europe. It is very important to note that the GHIC does not replace the need for travel insurance cover. For example, should you need to be repatriated or require the assistance of services such as mountain rescue whilst skiing, the GHIC will not cover you. 3. Border control – you will be permitted to stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, there are some exceptions to this rule. You should also be prepared to show evidence of onward or return travel at border crossings. 4. Food and drink products – you are not permitted to take meat or milk products, or products containing them, into the EU. Exceptions to this will be infant powders and medically required pet food. There are also restrictions on taking certain plants to the EU. The European Commission website has more detailed information for these types of products. 5. Driving – the latest update (confirmed by Rt Hon Grant Schapps via Twitter on 30.1.21) now confirms that you are permitted to continue driving in the EU without needing to obtain an international driving licence as was previously thought. Drivers from the UK, using their own cars, will also need to have a GB sticker on the car or a new GB licence plate as well as a green card as proof of insurance (obtained from your insurer). 6. Pets – you cannot use the existing pet passport scheme and will instead be required to apply for an AHC (Animal Health Certificate). Allow at least 1 month for this to be organised. 7. Mobile roaming – guaranteed free roaming throughout the EU has ended and you are advised to contact your provider directly before travel. A new law does however protect you from being charged more than £45 for data access unless you opt-in to accepting extra charges.