We are back again this Thursday with another wonderful guest post by Mark Bibby Jackson, TravelBeginsAt40.com. This week, he focuses on travelling at time of changing traffic lights. As always, travel restrictions change daily so please check before you book or fly to ensure you’ve taken the appropriate steps. Also, read Mark Bibby Jackson’s previous post on International Travel and Covid.
Travelling at time of changing traffic lights
By Mark Bibby Jackson, TravelBeginsAt40.com
The world of travel is slowly beginning to open up, although the current restrictions are still somewhat confusing. A question you may well be pondering is which countries you might plan to visit for your first overseas holiday for a while?
Pre-covid there was much talk of over-tourism. Destinations that had traditionally welcomed visitors with open arms, such as Barcelona, Lisbon and Venice had almost declared war on the international traveller, imposing tourist taxes, barring cruise ships and day-trippers, while locals adorned walls with graffiti making it abundantly clear that tourists were not welcome in their neighbourhoods.
Now countries are once more turning towards tourism revenue to stoke their economic recovery and provide much-needed income for those very same communities. Few of us advocate returning to the bad old days of mass tourism, but the past eighteen months has shown us how vital tourism revenue is to local economies. So, which destinations might you consider putting on your travel list?
What colour are the lights?
The first question is, of course, where can we travel?
It is important to remember that even when the Government is content for us to return home without entering quarantine, this does not mean the destination nation is equally as welcoming. My key advice to you is that before you commit to any international travel you choose travel insurance to cover such an eventuality. I like to use Battleface Insurance when I travel.
The following four destinations, all of which are currently on the UK Government Green list are ones you might consider visiting:
1. Croatia
Taking one example, at the time of writing Croatia is going onto the UK Government’s green list on 19th July. This is a beautiful country with a wonderful coastline as well as plenty of historic sites to visit – an affordable destination for a family holiday that is well worth considering. It currently requires proof of vaccination for entry from the UK as well as a test upon arrival. You can keep up with the precise requirements here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements and https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/croatia/
2. Malta
If it is sun that you are seeking then Malta could be your best – and easiest – option, so long as you are fully vaccinated. The Mediterranean island has a wonderful collection of archaeological sites and ancient ruins in addition to the great cuisine and climate. Explore the capital Valetta or just chill on the beach. Unfortunately, if you are not vaccinated then you will have to turn another leaf. Further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/entry-requirements and https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/malta/
3. Gibraltar
This might be the ideal time for you to visit the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the few places where you can get some sun without strenuous testing and quarantine regimens. Apart from the great weather you can go on a cycle tour of Gibraltar or visit the museums and art galleries. As of writing all arrivals need to take a Lateral Flow Test upon arrival, which can be booked here: https://www.covidrapidtest.gi
4. Barbados or Bermuda
Although long-haul options are extremely limited at the moment, if you are prepared to take a test upon arrival, both Barbados and Bermuda are great options, although as both are on the green watch list they might turn amber while you are on holiday. Fully vaccinated travellers can take a test upon arrival at their hotel, and relax while the test results arrive. Those not vaccinated will need to isolate at a government-approved hotel, which really is not the way to start your holiday.
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/barbados/
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/bermuda/
Information sources
The list of green list countries will continue to be a moveable feast so it is best keep checking the government website for the rules applying to returning to the UK or Ireland https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#green-list
And https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/75d92-covid-19-travel-advice/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/8868e-view-the-covid-19-travel-advice-list/ . As the government also advises – check the current requirements of the country you are thinking of travelling to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19#check-the-rules-for-the-country-youre-going-to and https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/
And https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Bibby Jackson is passionate about travel and sharing the joys of visiting new places and people. He is founder and group editor of websites Travel Begins at 40 and London Begins at 40, as well as the award-winning author of three thrillers set in Cambodia. He is the former editor of AsiaLIFE Cambodia, ASEAN Forum, and Horizon Thailand magazines.
Web: https://www.travelbeginsat40.com/
https://www.markbibbyjackson.co.uk/
https://www.londonbeginsat40.com/
Twitter: @TravelBegins40
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bibby-jackson-aa541613/