Thankfully, travel is back to normal for most of the world following Covid. There are still some things to remember before you step on that plane, so here’s what you need to know.
Changes to travel
While there are no restrictions for travelling in or out of the UK anymore, some countries may still have restrictions on tourism.
Before you go away, the best thing to do is to check the guidelines for the country you’re travelling to. You can do so on the FCDO travel advice website.
The FCDO website will also tell you if you need to take any Covid tests before travelling, which you’ll need to pay for privately.
Proving your vaccination status
It’s still possible that you’ll have to prove your vaccination status when travelling. To do so, you can show your NHS COVID Pass through the NHS App (don’t confuse it with the NHS COVID app).
You can also view your vaccination status online at nhs.uk or request it as a letter through the post.
Last few checks
There are still some things that it’s always handy to keep in mind before you travel.
Travel disruption
Unfortunately, there’s still some travel disruption to keep an eye on.
And, although the pressure is easing, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any strikes or staff shortages that might affect your plans.
Brexit
If you haven’t travelled for a little while due to Covid, or any other reason, you might need to brush up on how Brexit has affected travel.
If your EHIC has expired, you now need to apply for a GHIC.
Also, you’ll need to make sure you have at least six months left on your passport. If not it might be time for a nice, shiny blue one! Some European countries ask you to have a passport that’s no older than 10 years as well.
Travel restrictions
While most places are restriction-free at this stage, it doesn’t hurt to take a look and be sure that you know the restrictions (if any) of where you’re travelling.
The FCDO website is still the best place to get all the information you need.
Enjoy your trip!
Whether you’ve travelled since Covid or not, enjoying your trip should still be at the top of your list of priorities. Here are a few things to brush on before you go.
Live like the locals
This is the best way to get to know a new destination, and really enjoy it in all its glory. So, do your research. Learn a few key phrases of the local language. Speak to locals when you get there. It’ll make your experience much more rounded and memorable.
Do your research
Much of the fun is in the planning, isn’t it? So make the most of it! Plan your trip before you set foot on that plane, train, or cruise ship.
Think about some of the activities that you’d love to tick off your bucket list, ask for recommendations if you know anyone that’s been there before, and make it a trip to last a lifetime.
Find more adventure
And, one last piece of advice: find more adventure. However adventure looks to you, seek it out and soak it in.
Here’s our guide to finding more adventure if you need a few tips and tricks to get you started.
Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance
If there’s one thing we’ve all learned from travel during Covid, it’s that it’s nice and reassuring to have travel insurance just in case you need it. So don’t forget to pack yours!
Whether you’re going on several trips in the next year, or you’ve saved up for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, travel insurance is there if you need it – with Covid Cover as standard, just in case.
