Sun, Sea, Sand & Sanitiser - Taking a Foreign Holiday Post Covid
I’ve had lots of people contact me recently who are desperate for a foreign holiday and want to know 'is it safe to travel now?' In reality, it really depends! If we abide by the rules of social distancing, wear face coverings when required, and wash our hands regularly, then it should be completely fine. What’s more, we need to consider the impact that holidays have on our wellbeing; the chance to relax, recharge, and re-connect with our loved ones will give our mental health a huge boost which is very much needed after the challenge of lockdown.
I recently visited Portugal and I can honestly say, I have never felt safer when travelling abroad! Without a doubt, I would go again in a heartbeat ( FCDO advice permitting). Yes some aspects of the holiday were a little different, but change can also be a positive thing!
Of course taking a foreign holiday during this pandemic is not for everyone, and that’s absolutely fine. Whether you’ve decided to get out of the country as soon as possible, or you’re still apprehensive about travelling in the near future, this blog may help you. I’ve put together some tips for travelling abroad during covid 19.
Plan your trip carefully:
Do some research before you book your trip. If a destination is experiencing a surge in cases, it’s likely your holiday won’t go ahead due to impending FCDO restrictions. So, if possible choose somewhere with low cases. Also look into restrictions enforced in the resort; do these make you feel safer when planning a holiday there or put you off going altogether? Is everything open as usual there? Who would want to go on a spa holiday if none of the facilities were open and none of the treatments were available?! Currently when making bookings I call the hotels on my clients’ behalf to check what is, and isn’t going to be open to stop any unpleasant surprises on arrival.
Keep up to date with the FCDO advice and the entry requirements for the destination:
Most countries (and a growing number of airlines) now have set procedures in place which are essential to follow. In most cases, a form is to be completed; some are are done in advance online and some can be filled in on arrival. In some instances, you must provide evidence of a negative covid PCR test a certain amount of time before the flight departs. These can be difficult to arrange and also pretty costly. However, if required, it is essential that you abide by the rules in order to board your flight.
It is important that you keep yourself informed with the updated requirements and understand that they change all the time so make sure your information is current. If something isn’t followed correctly you could face a fine, a delay, or ultimately you could be refused boarding and lose your holiday. As a Travel Counsellor I make it my duty to keep you updated with the latest advice.
Check you have adequate and valid travel insurance:
Everyone knows the importance of adequate travel insurance when travelling. Now, more than ever it is imperative to ensure you are covered. There are an increasing number of policies that cover covid 19 which is great news. Not only do they cover you should you get ill with covid whilst abroad, but they also cover you if you have to cancel your holiday due to you, or a member of your family catching covid before travel. Money is tighter than ever at the moment so make sure your precious holiday is covered for all eventualities. Obviously check the small print as all policies can vary.
It’s also important to understand that if you travel to a country against the advice of the FCDO, your travel insurance is likely to become void.
Be prepared to quarantine:
Rules and restrictions for travelling and quarantine are different in every country and change on a daily basis. Before booking a holiday you need to be aware of any quarantine rules in place at the destination AND on return to the UK. It goes without saying you wouldn’t want to go on holiday if you had to quarantine for the whole time you were there! Consult our Government guidelines for countries that are on the ‘travel corridor’ list, where there is no need for quarantine on your return. However, be prepared that things can change at the drop of a hat and a country that doesn’t require self-isolation on your return one week may require it the next. If the idea of 14 days of quarantine at home on your return is not a possibility, you should NOT be travelling abroad at this time.
Don’t travel if you, or someone you’ve been in contact with have covid symptoms:
Even if you have planned the perfect holiday and you’re desperate to get away, it’s really important to contain the spread of the virus. If you suspect you have the virus you must self-isolate for 14 days and cancel the trip. Providing your travel insurance covers covid 19 you will be able to claim the cost back and book something else for a later date to look forward to. Health and safety must always come first!
Follow the safety rules (they are there for a reason):
It’s compulsory to wear a mask in most public places now; including airports, on planes, on coaches and in shops, bars and restaurants. It’s one of the main ways alongside hand-washing and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are not keen on the idea of wearing a mask for a whole flight, or when on hot public transport abroad you may not want to consider a foreign holiday at this time.
Be prepared for the unexpected:
When it comes to foreign travel, everything is up in the air (no pun intended). FCDO advice and travel requirements are constantly changing, destinations are available to us one week then not the next (and vice versa) and flights are constantly getting cancelled or rescheduled. There are luckily still hundreds of holiday options available to us but we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Last minute changes are not uncommon and you just need to be flexible with your plans.
Enjoy your trip:
Mostly importantly, RELAX and ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY! Once you have decided you want to travel abroad, and you have taken care of all of the necessary details (as mentioned above) you can look forward to an amazing adventure. Let’s face it, nothing beats being on holiday and having fun with your family….it certainly feels like it’s been a very long time coming!
