Rachael Hughes
The past two summers have been chaotic travel wise, with COVID still looming and ready to cancel our travel plans at any minute. Fast forward to summer 2022 and we’re ready to book flights, soak up some sun and see new places, whilst equally still embracing the beauty that exists on our doorstep in the UK. Staycations, vacations, we don’t care so long as we’re living our best lives this summer.
Thanks to a hugely successful vaccination roll out throughout the world, borders have opened allowing for travellers to jet set again. Moreover, all travel restrictions in the UK have now been lifted, meaning if you pick a destination, which doesn’t necessitate any testing to enter, you’ll be able to enjoy a hassle-free holiday. Some may require pre-departure testing or a period of quarantine but there are still plenty of options for destinations to travel to this summer. It’s important to stress that you should always check your country’s entry requirements via the government’s foreign travel advice pages.
Chasing the sun
Greece
White-washed beaches, architecture and the famous, flavourful cusine, it’s difficult to resist a trip to the Greek islands. Situated in the Mediterranean, Greece is the ideal destination for a peaceful retreat, for the foodies, and for the adventure seekers. You’re destined to catch the sun, especially between the months of May to October! Fully vaccinated travellers from the UK are welcome to visit Greece without needing to test, quarantine or fill out a passenger locator form. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated require a negative pre-departure PCR test or valid proof of recent recovery from COVID. This is also the case for those over 18 and unvaccinated if entering public venues in Greece.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits. From the sunny Algarve to the landscapes of Lisbon, it’s a country that has so much to offer everyone. Entering Portugal is pretty straightforward for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. Pre-departure, all travellers aged over 12 must fill out a passenger locator form (which can be found via the government website). If you’re vaccinated, you must show proof of such. If you’re unvaccinated, you must provide a negative PCR test which has been taken within 72 hours of departure, or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of departure. When you arrive in Portugal, face masks are mandatory, yet no documents are required to enter entertainment venues.
City Breaks
Budapest
As Hungary’s capital city, Budapest has so much to offer travellers. Just over 2 hours away by plane from the UK, it is definitely one for the European bucket list. With the contrasting Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic architecture, the plethora of restaurants, budding nightlife and traditional thermal baths situated in the heart of the city, Budapest is arguably one of the safest cities to visit. And, even better: hassle-free! It is open for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, no proof, documentation, testing or quarantining required! Although it isn’t mandatory, it is recommended to undergo a PCR test on arrival home for the sake of public safety.
Paris
The city of love, and the city of croissants. It’s everyone’s dream to see the Eiffel Tower light up as the sunsets, and to visit the iconic Arc de Triomphe whilst wandering around with living out your Emily in Paris fantasy. Luckily, it is super simple! Fully vaccinated travellers will need to provide proof of vaccinations, available via the NHS app. It’s important to note that if it has been longer than 9 months since your last vaccination, you may be classed as unvaccinated by the French government. However, if that is the case and you are unvaccinated, you must show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test result taken within 48 hours pre-departure. Face masks are mandatory throughout France.
Staycations are the new vacations
The Lake District
There is a reason that the Lake District has recently been designated UNESCO World Heritage status. Lying in the heart of Cumbria, the Lake District is encased in greenery, wildlife, mountain peaks and, needless to say, an abundance of fresh waters. It offers the full package; tranquillity, adventure and the typical British grub. Just outside of the National Park you can find the quintessential villages that we associate with the countryside, providing visitors with comforting cottages for the ideal long weekend. The Lake District thrives off of tourism, as it is a breeding ground for independent businesses. From quirky cafes to boating companies, I couldn’t recommend a staycation in the Lakes enough!
Dartmouth, Devon
I often come across images of the Devon and Cornwall coast and mistake it for the south of France. Dartmouth is a beautiful historic town situated on the River Dart, an area of natural beauty. In the town, the foodies will be spoilt for choice of quaint coffee shops and high quality restaurants. You’re destined to find the best fish and chips, completed with classic cornish ice-cream. How to elevate the experience? Picture this: it’s 3pm, the sun is at its peak. You have your ice cream whilst walking through the winding, picturesque streets when you catch a glimpse of the golden beaches of Dartmouth, clear waters just a stone’s throw away. The secluded coves under the nose of the estuary and the famous castle, colourful buildings and quaint streets make for the picture perfect long weekend. Dartmouth is proof that the UK has just as much to offer as our European counterparts.
So whether you’re vaccinated or not, looking for a city break, an adventure, or some rest and recuperation in the sunshine, COVID can’t stop us this summer. We’re grabbing our passports, filling our tanks and making the most of summer 2022.
Feature image courtesy of Oliver Sjöström via Pexels. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
