Things To Consider Before Going Abroad This Summer

From May 17th rules are changing in the UK so travel outside of the country will be allowed. A traffic light system will come into effect so countries will be rated green, amber or red. For countries on the green list, you’ll be able to travel quarantine free to them and the ratings are decided based on infection rates, the proportion of its population that has been vaccinated and other factors. There are lots of things to consider before going abroad this summer and it’s likely to require more planning than previous holidays.

We all deserve a holiday and a bit of a break after the year and a bit we’ve had. But while I personally don’t feel the need to get booking a flight and jumping on a plane I know others feel differently. We’ve settled on staying in the UK for this year and doing one or two city breaks next year to get used to traveling again. But for those looking to travel sooner when it’s allowed it’s all about being careful and following guidelines.

Things to consider before going abroad: Check travel advice

Before you travel anywhere you should check the travel advice via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. You can go down the list of countries and take a look at entry restrictions, screening, quarantine requirements and so much more. But be prepared that if you’re booking a trip in advance these things may change. So after you’ve booked you’ll want to keep a close eye on the advice for the country you’re visiting to check things haven’t changed.

Currently according to the gov.uk if the country you’re travelling to need proof of a negative COVID test you may have to use a private provider. The NHS Test and Trace service will not provide this. So make sure you know what you need when entering the country.

Opt for flexible booking

It’s worth paying a bit extra. Or looking for travel companies that allow you to change your travel dates if you’re unable to travel. We booked flights with Easyjet to go to Barcelona at the start of May. As soon as we knew this wouldn’t be possible back in Jan we moved the flights without having to pay extra.

Booking an ATOL or ABTA-protected holiday is the best way to protect yourself if things go wrong. And while a package holiday might work out more expensive you’ll have full protection on the whole trip. If you like to book things individually opt for hotels where you pay when you arrive and cancel until the day before. Most hotels and travel sites are likely to have information about coronavirus and bookings quite prominently showed. But if they don’t find out before you make a booking.

Things to consider before going abroad: Travel insurance

One of the most important things to consider before going abroad is your own protection through travel insurance. A lot of policies will now cover you for coronavirus so make sure you find one that does. You should also add on enhanced COVID cover. This means if you have to cancel because of coronavirus you should be covered. As well as having access to emergency medical cover if you need any treatment abroad due to COVID.

Considerations after Brexit

It isn’t just pandemic related things you need to plan for. Things to consider before going abroad also cover Brexit. If you have a British passport it will need to have at least six months left on it. And it must have been issued within the past 10 years. And remember you won’t be able to use the EU lanes when queuing at security any longer.

If you need medical treatment abroad and have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) you can continue to use it until it expires. After that, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) which gets you access to emergency state medical care at the same rates that locals pay in whatever country you’re in. And then you’ll be able to claim this back from your insurance provider depending on the circumstances.

If you’re planning to drive in one of the 27 EU countries you’ll now need a green card. This card is provided by your motor insurer. It’s recommended to apply for this at least a month before your trip.

Are you planning to travel abroad this summer or later this year?

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