4 Top Tips for Travelling during COVID-19

Thanks to the recent changes in UK Government policy, travel has been made easier and cheaper for travellers that are fully vaccinated!

Recent Updates:

4 October2021 - It was no longer compulsory to take a test before returning to the UK – and this test seemed to be the one that worried travellers the most.

15 October 2021 - The UK Government significantly changed it’s, frankly quite confusing, traffic light travel system and replaced it with a red list vs the rest of the world list, find it at the Gov UK website.

24 October 2021 - Travellers returning to England will no longer need to take a PCR test, instead an often much cheaper lateral flow test will be accepted, as long as it is supplied by a private provider recognised on the Gov.uk website. Bookings for the lateral flow tests are open from 22 October 2021 – just in time for half-term. Click the Gov UK website for more information.

Scotland has also pledged to make changes to it’s return policy shortly. Northern Ireland and Wales are yet to commit to any changes, but you can keep up to date with all travel news on the Gov.uk website.

Top 4 tips for travelling during COVID-19

1. Do your research!

Everyone does some research before they book a trip or holiday, but rather than looking up the local temperature or the draft beer that you’ll be served in your all-inclusive package, make sure you’re checking COVID-19 guidelines.

Don’t assume that every airline, hotel, or excursion operator is equal in terms of requirements – they are almost certainly not. If you’re booking a package holiday, check each provider’s independent site to see what their hygiene standards are, and any requirements that you’ll need to follow. It’s also a good idea to check reviews to see if they stick to them. On a recent trip we were told by cabin crew that the airplane needed to be back on the runway within 20 mins – did they have time to disinfect the seats, trays, toilets? Probably not…

2. Check travel requirements

If you’re fully vaccinated or under 18, chances are that it’s pretty clear what you’ll need to do before you leave the UK, and what steps you need to take once you return. However, travel requirements are very different depending on your home country and destination – even more so if you’re travelling with children. Be sure to check the GOV.uk website for information.

Thankfully travel is much, much easier than it was just a few short weeks ago, however, it’s important to check the requirements of the country that you’re travelling to, before you book and again before you travel.

Did you know that if you’re travelling to Malta with children over 11, they will not be allowed into the country unless they are fully vaccinated? We did. Do you know why? We checked the requirements!

3. Keep it clean.

An obvious one, right? Wrong.

Travellers, and people in general, are getting much more complacent about hand hygiene and the wearing of PPE, when required. Wash your hands when possible and use antiviral/antibacterial products when you don’t have access to soap and water.

Remember to take enough PPE for your journey, but also for while you’re away and your return trip. There’s no official guidance on how often you should change your mask during normal wear, however, reusable masks should be washed daily, and all masks should be washed or disposed of if you have touched them with unwashed hands or they have been in contact with non-disinfected surfaces. So, pack plenty, and please dispose of your mask responsibly.

A case in point: on a recent all-inclusive holiday, we sanitised our hands when arriving at the restaurant (pat on the back for us!), then we merrily touched maybe 10 sets of serving tongs and spoons. In theory, this is fine because everyone sanitised? Wrong again! We sat and watched a number of people bypass the sanitiser completely… and let’s not even talk about the children’s hygiene standards!

4. Make sure you’re insured.

Well yes, we do have a vested interest in this one - but it’s vital that you have the right cover to suit your needs.

1. All Direct Travel policies have Essential COVID-19 cover as standard, and for a little extra, some policies offer Enhanced COVID-19 cover for additional peace of mind.
2. Rest assured that all Direct Travel policies have in-built flexibility to move your policy start date, should you need to change the dates of your trip.
3. Every policyholder has access to an Emergency Medical Assistance Team on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you need any medical help while you’re away.

Not to mention all the things that you’d expect from a trusted UK insurance broker:

1. A range of products to suit your needs, and your budget
2. Medical cover, lost luggage and of course theft cover should you need it
3. Cover for a range of Activities and sport included, as standard
4. Cruise, winter sport and golfing cover available too

What are you waiting for, get a quote and get packing!

Please check our full terms and conditions for information on our policies, and what’s included in our COVID-19 cover. Flexible cover is for single trip policies, and travel dates must be within 18 months from the policy purchase date.