This month’s travel news is a bit of a mixed bag.
North Devon has a new title to its name, while Cyprus eases travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers. Heritage Expeditions also celebrates the reopening of New Zealand with three brand new cruises!
On the other hand, travel disruption from the Easter break is set to continue. Keep reading to find out more.
Cyprus eases its travel restrictions
Cyprus is one of the latest European countries to remove many of its remaining travel restrictions, just in time for the summer holidays.
From 18 April, vaccinated travellers won’t need a test to enter, while unvaccinated travellers just need a lateral flow test within 24 hours of travelling, or a PCR test within 72 hours.
This marks the first time in over two years that Cyprus’ borders will be (almost) fully open – excellent news for the country and British tourists.
Here’s a list of the travel rules for every country for more information.
Cruises to celebrate the reopening of New Zealand
To mark the reopening of New Zealand’s borders to international travellers on 1 May, Heritage Expeditions has announced three new cruises.
The Kiwi-based cruise line is also offering US$500 flight credit per person to encourage visitors to experience all the island has to offer.
The first voyage will leave Auckland in November 2022, so there’s still plenty of time to book for a chance to see ‘hidden beaches, breathtaking fjords, and remote island sanctuaries’.
North Devon recognised as World Surfing Reserve
A 19-mile stretch of Devon’s coastline has finally been given the recognition many people feel it deserves. As one of the UK’s most-loved surfing spots, it has become a World Surfing Reserve.
The area joins big names such as California’s Malibu and Australia’s Gold Coast as one of only 12 places with the World Surfing Reserve status.
The accolade gives the local community more say on environmental factors that affect the coast, climate change and overdevelopment in the area.
Travel disruption expected until summer
Travel disruption that peaked over the Easter break is set to continue until at least the summer months as travel operators deal with staff shortages and increased demand.
All areas of travel have been affected, with airlines and travel across the English Channel arguably hit hardest.
Airports are working with reduced staff numbers due to Covid-related illness and are still recovering from redundancies during the pandemic. The government is working on making it easier for people to get a job in the industry to help ease the burden.
P&O Ferries have been forced to suspend services from Dover to Calais following multiple failed inspections of their vessels. Eurostar is also facing the challenges of reduced staffing, causing passengers to face longer queues than normal.
If you’re travelling anytime soon, consider how travel disruption may affect your plans and choose travel insurance that covers you for travel delays and cancellations.
