Coronavirus Update March 2021

We imagine you will be very well aware of the recent news and headlines surrounding holidays for Summer 2021, it is hard not to miss since they seem to be a daily subject of conversation on the news at the present time. However, we would like to clarify the position of travel and how this might affect you and your forthcoming holidays.

The Government have set up a ‘Travel Taskforce’ who are responsible for working with Countries around the Globe, gathering information on vaccine roll outs, infection rates, testing and the general health and safety of each destination for UK Tourists. On the 5th April 2021, the Travel Taskforce will announce their progress and how they can foresee travel to some destinations resuming, it is suggested that using a ‘traffic light system’ and ‘travel corridors’ similar to what we saw last Summer.

It has been mentioned today, 23rd March 2021, that if you are to travel now, under the current Coronavirus ruling you could face a fine if your reason for travel is not for the reasons outlined within the guidelines. The date when travel could resume to come countries remains the 17th May 2021. It is also important to note that a review will take place every 35 days, and dates can alter, this may mean that some travel may still resume in late May and June, however we must wait to see which destinations are opened up. It’s also important to remember that the world is a big place, so when discussing “International Travel”, the Government are referring to travel to each of the Worlds Continents, so please do not assume your destination will naturally be affected. The important message is to wait and see what the Travel Taskforce advise in their next announcement on the 5th April 2021.

At this time we do not know what protocols to each destination will be required, for example PCR Testing, testing upon arrival in destination, lateral flow testing, vaccine passports etc. This is all the information that we are waiting to hear from the Travel Taskforce.

What you must understand is that, your holiday is financially protected, and should your holiday be cancelled through Government Advice, you will receive a full cash refund, or an option to move your holiday to a later time. If your holiday is not officially cancelled, we are unable to offer refunds as standard booking terms will apply, we will however look at the option to move your holiday to a later travel time.

We understand entirely how important your holiday is to you, and we understand the continuing frustrations surrounding flight time changes and cancellations etc. We assure you that the team continue to work tirelessly to get you away on your holiday at some point, whether that be Summer 21 or beyond! Remember, it is not illegal to book a holiday, it is simply illegal to leave the UK borders (excluding a very limited number of reasons) until the Government give the green light once again.

With all this in mind, please only contact us if your holiday is due to travel prior to the 17th May 2021, or if you have a booking travelling in the summer that you would prefer to amend to a later time. Due to the volume of enquires we are currently receiving we apologise in advance if we take a little longer to come back to you.

If you are still considering booking a holiday, please do not let this news stop you. There are some wonderful offers available, including some excellent early booking discounts to take advantage of. Best case – you get you a great deal and a great holiday, worst case – the holiday is cancelled and you get a full refund – we hope that the later doesn’t happen though and you get to jet away!

Stay safe.