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As a travel agent I receive dozens of holiday adverts by email and facebook every day, but while there's much optimism in the air, I can't help thinking that some of the destinations being promoted smacks of very wishful thinking.
At the moment there are perhaps 4 countries that look promising, although I've only here taken into account the most popular travel destinations.
To judge, I've looked at the following:
1) Do the Foreign Office advise against travel? Because if so, getting insurance will be tricky even if flights were operating
2) Is the destination accepting UK visitors? Even simpler - you can't travel.
3) What are the rules about coming home? If you need to pay for 3 tests and self isolate for 10 days when you arrive home, then I think most people would look to go somewhere else. And that's just for Amber countries.
4) What's the experience like in resort? Are cafes and restaurants open? What about face masks? Is the pool open? The spa? All this is worth knowing before you make a decision.
So with all this in mind, here's my list:
1) Antigua
Antigua is welcoming tourists and is ahead of the game - many hotels provide the rapid Antigen testing required for entry back into the UK. In addition, the negative PCR test that you have to have before arrival into Antigua can be taken within 7 days of your flight. That takes away a lot of the stress of waiting for your result to come back in time!
2) Greek Islands
At the moment only Rhodes, Kos, Zakynthos, Corfu and Crete are OK according to the Foreign Office, so summer 2021 travel to these islands is hopeful. You'll need to complete an online form before travel, and provide a negative PCR test taken 72 hours or less before your flight to Greece.
New - Spain and Portugal are also looking promising for sometime in June, provided you have been vaccinated.
3) Maldives
As with Antigua, many resorts will organise the required testing so that you can return to the UK. You need to fill in an online form before flying to the Maldives, but you have a bit of extra time for the PCR test - 96 hours before departure. One thing to note though - you will need a direct flight and not travel via the Middle East, as then you'd fall into the Amber or Red zone requirements when you get back home.
4) Thailand
Thailand has announced plans to open up its beach resorts in stages, starting with Phuket in July, and moving on to Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Samui and Phang Nga in October. You'll still need a negative PCR test taken 72 hours or less before travel to Thailand, and complete an online form. As with the Maldives, I'd recommend booking a flight only via Bangkok and not via a third country.
The situation is of course very fluid, and every day there is more speculation about travel opening up or countries being added to the red list. But at present, these four destinations look like the best bets.
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