Staycations in and out of the UK in Covid-19

With the vaccine successfully rolled out to many of the most vulnerable people in UK society, and the roadmap out of lockdown announced, many of us are looking forward to the upcoming summer and early autumn where it’s looking likely that staycations within the UK and beyond might be allowed once again. However, with the situations still uncertain and dependant on the success of the COVID-19 measures that are currently in place and set to be put in place into the future, it’s important to make sure that you’re fully prepared for your upcoming staycation to ensure that things run smoothly and that disappointment is avoided.

Before making your booking, consider the following:

Vaccinations

We can expect many travel companies to require customers to have a vaccination before travelling with them. P&O cruises, for example, have said that travellers will need to show proof of having both courses of the COVID-19 vaccination before being allowed to travel. In some cases, proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test might be sufficient depending on where you are headed and the company that you’re travelling with. Always double-check before you book to make sure that you’re going to be able to comply with these regulations.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance

It is a wise idea to consider getting coronavirus travel cover if you are planning on a staycation in or out of the UK once the lockdown is lifted this summer. Since it’s impossible to predict what the future might hold, specialist travel cover that will ensure you’re protected if you get the coronavirus or have to self-isolate on your travel dates will provide you with the peace of mind that you need. All Staysure insurance policies now include coronavirus travel cover at no additional cost. You’ll be covered if you need to cancel your trip due to the coronavirus, if you’re denied boarding due to a positive test, or if you catch the virus abroad and need medical attention.

Travel Safety

If you are planning a short break outside of the UK once things begin to get back to normal this summer, it’s important to consider the destination that you choose and how safe it is. Currently, you can check the Foreign Office (FCO) website for more information on various destinations around the world and how safe they are to travel to. Bear in mind that there have been several new global strains recently that the vaccine may not be as effective against, so some destinations may still be off-limits during the summer. Because of this, more holidaymakers are considering a staycation as a safer option.

Travel Safety

Even when the lockdown is fully lifted and things begin to get back to normal, it’s likely that some travel restrictions will stay in place. Depending on where you are planning to travel to, you may still need to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wearing a face-covering. Depending on when you plan to travel to, it’s also worth considering if there are any restrictions on the number of people that can travel together and whether you are allowed to travel with people who are not members of your immediate household. During the early stages of the roadmap out of lockdown this spring, it’s expected that households will be allowed to travel together, while the ‘rule of six’ for people from different households will not come into effect until later.

After a year of lockdowns and uncertainty, it’s looking like there might be a light at the end of the tunnel this summer. With staycations in and out of the UK looking more likely for later this year, it’s best to make sure that you’re fully prepared for an enjoyable and well-deserved trip.