Summer holidays 2021

[gingerteacup]

My work has a policy that we can’t go abroad I hope it changes soon! I’m not too bothered as it’s making me save a lot. I had one way flights booked for last September to go traveling for a year which makes me sad as I won’t be doing that anymore. My friend wants to go away in the UK soon, I’m hoping we don’t, it costs so much and I’d rather save and be able to go on more nice holidays abroad when we can

Is that not illegal? They can't dictate such things surly?

 

[Prefrontalmedialcortex]

Hey guys, not sure if anyone can help me here, but I came back from Dubai last week and I did all the tests and everything, my day 2 test was negative (I am double vaccinated).

but the track and trace number keep calling me (the 0300 013 5000). They rang me like 4 times this morning, but when I answer there is nothing. No talking, literally silence. I’m really confused I read online this number can be copied by scammers

and recently I got these texts which I believe are scams - saying that I need to isolate immediately and sent me a link to put in personal details (I didn’t click the link, it just tells me the link will ask me to put in personal details). I know it’s a scam because they spelled my first and last name wrong LOL

what should I do should I contact track and trace? Do nothing?

thank u guys

It definitely sounds like a scam and yes they can copy legit numbers. I would block the number if you can and ignore it. Don’t enter any details. Scammers are the worst, too many of them preying on the vulnerable.

 

[SpindleWhorl]

My PCR test has come back negative so it's Croatia tomorrow for me! Anyone know if I need to print all the fit to fly/vaccine certificates or if it's enough to show on my phone? Otherwise I will have to take a trip to the library

 

[Prefrontalmedialcortex]

When I come back and do the two day test, do I have to isolate until I get the result? I assume I do but I don’t see that anywhere

No you do not need to isolate until you get the result.

 

[Prefrontalmedialcortex]

I’m really confused by the new rules? Do we need less tests for going to an Amber country? Are the green and Amber lists merging?

The updated rules for travel can be found here -

New system for international travel

Eight countries will move from the red list on 22 September and the rules for international travel to England will change on 4 October 2021.

www.gov.uk

Main changes are -

- From Monday 4 October, amber and green lists will merge into one list.
- If fully vaccinated you no longer have to take a PCR test before travelling back to England from one of these countries.
- You still have to take PCR test two days after arrival, but this will be replaced by cheaper and simpler lateral flow test later in October.
- Red list staying but list will get shorter.
- If returning from red list country, you'll have to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel.

If you are not vaccinated -

- If you haven't been double-jabbed with a vaccination recognised under England's travel rules, you will still have to take a pre-departure test.
- You will need to do a PCR test on days two and eight after arriving, and you will have to self-isolate for 10 days on returning from a non-red list country.
- Test to Release will remain an option for unvaccinated passengers who wish to shorten their isolation period.

The government says it will also recognise travellers as fully vaccinated if they were jabbed in another 17 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and Canada.

 

[Warpaint]

Still not going to risk abroad I think. It's the testing bit that worries me, suddenly getting stranded in another country.

 

[Tublet83]

Has anyone booked anything for next year? I’m very tempted to book a package with Tui to Greece with hubby. Some great prices around. Off to Dublin soon.
hope everyone managed to get away on their hols.

I’m off to Spain and a cruise next year, both postponed holidays from 2020

 

[dotty.doodlexx]

I went to Portugal when it was on the green list mid-May. In all honesty, I felt safer travelling there and over there than I do in the UK.

The airport process was so fast and easy. I come into more contact with people in Aldi doing my food shop than I did on the plane Knowing that everyone on the plane had a negative test puts your mind at ease. The testing wasn’t a pain at all, just something we had to factor in as it’s now a part of getting ready for a holiday. Felt so safe over there too. All in all, I’d urge anyone that can afford the testing to go, I am already desperate for another holiday Edit: the testing all together cost me £200, that was including a same day result PCR test which gives you the travel certificate to fly. However I know if you book through some travel companies they have testing packages starting from £20

I may be slightly bias as I work in the travel industry, but the UK aviation sector needs supporting now more than ever. Go on those holidays!

 

[Miss polar]

Apart from weekends here and there, to see friends in other parts of the uk, we never holiday in the UK.

Too expensive, too crowded, crap service, and unpredictable weather! . Much prefer to go abroad. Even with all the faff at the moment with testing, I still think it’s worth it to get out of the UK!

We’ve had a week in portugal, and are off to Dublin soon, Got Berlin booked for September, so really hoping we get to go. Grown up children so much more free to go anytime. My OH has been to Cornwall for work at the moment and said it was hellish.

 

[Miss polar]

Lots of changes on the travel front coming soon it seems. About time too! The cost of testing is ridiculous! We paid almost £270 for two of us recently for Portugal. We had an amazing time, and it was wonderful to get out of the UK, but the cost can’t be justified, it’s just a money making racket.

 

[Welshgal]

Just a small clarification @Prefrontalmedialcortex right now you do not need to take a PCR test before flying back from a green country. An antigen test (usually lateral flow) is enough!

 

[BattleAxing]

For UK breaks the prices are absolutely ridiculous. I book a weekend B&B break every month - even the prices of some low rent hotels are ridiculous. Before all this come about the usual B&B price was around £55 a night on Booking.com. Over August it shot up drastically to nearly £200 a night.

It is literally your run of mill seafront B&B with windows caked in seagull shit and decor that would give my grandma's authentic 70s decor a run for its money. Who's paying that much?

 

[Bitofthebubbly]

I saw an article this morning that said the hotel at Alton Towers costs more to stay in over some weekends than some hotels in Mayfair. I mean that’s just crazy.

 

[Prefrontalmedialcortex]

Just a small clarification @Prefrontalmedialcortex right now you do not need to take a PCR test before flying back from a green country. An antigen test (usually lateral flow) is enough!

Thanks for that clarification. It can be either a PCR or antigen (lateral flow test) as long as it meets the requirements.

 

[reCAPTCHA]

Can we have a place to discuss what's happening with your holidays this year?

I am due to visit France (Cannes) from middle to end of August. Really unsure whether or not to go as France is still on the amber list and there doesn't appear to be much guidance over what the criteria is to move from amber to green. All of the family are double jabbed so not worried on that front. But I was curious what everyone is planning to do...? Where are you heading and are you worried?

No one has holidays booked, or are we all still revelling from the football score?

Nothing booked for summer. Got 3 kids and honestly can’t face the possible additional queues, drama and uncertainty around it all.

Got Morocco booked for October half-term so

 

[Welshgal]

Has anyone booked anything for next year? I’m very tempted to book a package with Tui to Greece with hubby. Some great prices around. Off to Dublin soon.
hope everyone managed to get away on their hols.

Check if you can easily postpone/cancel if anything goes wrong in the next months and then book it!!

I’ve just come back from Gran Canaria and it was absolute bliss. So nice and felt safe the whole time x

 

[Miss polar]

I’m off to Spain and a cruise next year, both postponed holidays from 2020

Oh sounds fab.

 

[FenellaTheWitch]

Thanks guys.

I've been reading up on it but I was sure I'd read that Cyrpus didn't ask for a PCR before flying just proof of vaccination or Covid recovery. It just seemed unlikely.

This is on the government website:

'Travellers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to take a PCR test before departure or on arrival. If you have received two vaccinations you will still need to obtain a Cyprus flight pass.'

 

[gingerteacup]

Can we have a place to discuss what's happening with your holidays this year?

I am due to visit France (Cannes) from middle to end of August. Really unsure whether or not to go as France is still on the amber list and there doesn't appear to be much guidance over what the criteria is to move from amber to green. All of the family are double jabbed so not worried on that front. But I was curious what everyone is planning to do...? Where are you heading and are you worried?

No one has holidays booked, or are we all still revelling from the football score?

 

[Emzykins]

I’m skipping an abroad holiday this year and considering doing a cabin staycation as I’m 30 in August. I have a toddler but want to avoid places like Butlins, but centre parks is a little too pricey (single parent, only my wage coming in!!). If anyone has any recommendations for toddler friendly places, I’m all ears!