Once again, travel has been largely dominated by the travel disruption UK holidaymakers are facing.
But aside from the staff shortages and the passport delays, there’s some positive news in travel. For example, New Zealand is fully open for the first time in two years and Jet2 is the only UK airline not to cancel any flights in the past month.
Keep reading to find out more.
No changes for visiting Spain
A few reports of new entry requirements for Spain started popping up recently, leading to some confusion for Brits looking to head there over the summer.
The rumours circulating suggested that UK holidaymakers travelling to Spain now need to show proof of sufficient funds for their trip.
But this is nothing new. The Spanish Tourist Office, as well as Tui, confirmed that this rule has been in place since the beginning of the year. Everyone travelling from outside an EU/Schengen Area country to a country within the Area needs to show proof that they have sufficient funds for their time there.
Amounts can vary between nations, and checks aren’t always carried out when travelling, but it’s worth checking the FCDO website to see what evidence you may need to carry with you.
New Zealand removes all restrictions
It’s been a long time coming, but New Zealand’s carefully-planned reopening is finally complete – there are no restrictions on who can travel there.
Most people will need to be fully vaccinated to travel to New Zealand, meaning tourists don’t need to quarantine when they arrive.
Cruise ships and yachts are also allowed to dock in New Zealand’s ports once again.
The first stage of reopening New Zealand was allowing vaccinated citizens to return in March this year. In May, a 50-country visa waiver was introduced to allow some tourists in. Now, people from any country can travel to New Zealand as long as they’re fully vaccinated.
Jet2 flights are ‘all go!’ in July
Jet2 is the only airline in the UK that flew 100% of flights in the past month – an impressive feat in the current world of travel disruption!
Many airlines are still struggling to meet demands due to staff shortages, but Jet2 anticipated the demand and brought on new staff to help them cope.
Last month saw the airline’s busiest weekend ever with more than 800 flights across 23/24 July, and Jet2 is currently putting on its biggest summer flights programme yet.
Book a sleepover with London Zoo’s lions
Are you the kind of person that seeks out unique adventures? It doesn’t get much more special than a sleepover with London Zoo’s lions, Arya and Bhanu.
That’s what the world’s oldest scientific zoo is offering people the chance to do! Brave guests get exclusive access to the zoo out-of-hours, and come lights-out can snuggle up in a cosy cabin next to the lions.
The experience includes two days at the zoo, private tours after hours, and hands-on experience to live out your dreams of being a zookeeper.
Don’t worry, masks and gloves are provided when you’re tasked with hiding mealworms in the soil for the mongooses!
