Published May 12, 2021
Top Tips from Voucher Shares on how to safely travel on holidays again.
With us allowed to travel further away from home, starting from tomorrow on the 17th of May 2021, the question that plays on many holiday makers' minds – how to stay safe during my holiday travel at the time of global COVID19 crises?
We looked at the top tips from the government and scientists and here is our list of Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Do remember that you are taking your holiday travel decision at your own risk. COVID vaccines are very effective but no vaccine offers 100% protection. Also, if you go abroad, do consider local infrastructure in case you get unwell. But if you are fully vaccinated, the risks of getting seriously ill are very small and if the long-awaited holiday experience outweighs the risks – go for it. Safe Travels!
- Check the Green Countries list and do choose your destination carefully. Even though the foreign travel is no longer illegal from the 17th of May, many scientists still advise to stay away from travel abroad for all but essential reasons. We are very lucky to live in the UK and have an amazing choice of local holidays – from stunning coastal adventures to relaxing countryside high quality cottages, with many family-friendly and dog-friendly options to choose from. Check out UK destinations first as a safer option.
- Check the holiday company reputation. Travel company reputation is critical. Not only does it matter when it comes to refunds in case of holidays cancellation, but also to the general level of customer care and hygiene ratings. Many travel companies invested loads of money into making your holiday experience as safe as possible and as enjoyable as possible, but it’s always advisable to read the small print and check the customer rating on TripAdvisor for example. Companies like Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, for example, have a long standing good customer care reputation and could be a safer choice for your potential holiday trip.
- Consider extra budgets in case the country of your destination changes from Green to Amber or Red and you need to quarantine or take additional COVID tests before departure or on arrival. Have a list of potential Corona Test Centers that you can use at short notice if needed.
- Check your passports expiry dates and make sure you have more than 6 months after the planned return date. General government advice says that 6 months is a minimum requirement, but as an experienced traveler, I would recommend having at least a couple of months extra, in case of unexpected delays or cancellations.
Don’t:
- Be tempted by a great holiday deal or voucher code without considering all the points above.
- Go ahead and book holidays without reading holidays booking Terms & Conditions and cancellation policy. For example, many UK camping sites have an 18+ age policy and I have seen some very upset teengers lately who booked lovely camping trips and then realised that they cannot go because no one in their group is 18 at the time of travel.
- Travel without comprehensive Travel Insurance that is suitable to your personal circumstances and covers COVID related cancellations. There are even specific Medical Travel Insurance available if you have pre-existing health conditions. So definitely get the Travel Insurance that is right for you.
- If you are thinking of a staycation and using your car for a long journey, don't forget to give it a god check over before you set off as most vehicles did not travel that far over the last 12 months. And make sure that you have comprehensive Car Breakdown Cover as being rescued from the motorway costs more than £100 nowadays.
Have a happy holiday this summer!
And stay safe.
Tanya Larsen, mother of 3, keen gardener, world traveller and a business owner
More blogs from Tanya:
Christmas Dinner 2020. Best Christmas food to order online.
Christmas gifts for kids - best toys 2020
Top 5 Christmas gifts for men this season
Best Christmas Lights and Christmas Decorations to Buy Online
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