2020 has been an extraordinary year and one where, most of us, have had our holiday plans disrupted. If you are thinking of booking a staycation or holiday abroad to get a well earned break from the monotony of coronavirus life, take a look at my top holiday planning tips to help take the stress out of booking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ensure your holiday is flexible
The last thing you want to do is book a holiday then find you can't take your trip because one of you is isolating or the location is in lockdown but you can't get a refund or move your booking. If you are looking for a staycation Booking.com offers lots of UK hotel breaks with free cancellation, some right up to the date of check in, so you can book in full confidence that you can cancel or move your break if needed. If you are booking a holiday abroad check your operator offers flexible cancellation terms to give you peace of mind.
Check the status of your location
The situation is constantly changing with parts of the UK moving into different tiers of lockdown and countries coming on and off the quarantine list. Check the your holiday destination regularly to see what restrictions or travel corridors are in place. Also if you are staying in a hotel some of the amenities may have limited access, such as the pool, gym and restaurant, and may require pre-booking. So check what is open and book slots well in advance so you don't miss out on using the leisure facilities.
Make sure the holiday is suitable for your requirements
Even holidays in extraordinary times need to work for you. If you are travelling with kids make sure the accommodation is child friendly and your travel times are convenient. If someone in your travel party needs additional support or accessible accommodation visit My Mobility Guide for resources to help you find an operator who can help you plan every aspect of your trip from accommodation to transfers and even activities during your stay.
Only book abroad if you can isolate when you get home
Foreign holiday destinations have been taken off the travel corridor list at very short notice, leaving holiday makers scrambling to get home or having to isolate for 2 weeks upon return. The anxiety of will or won't your destination be affected can ruin your holiday. Only book if you know isolating when you get back won't be an issue with work or school so you can enjoy your break and get the rest you deserve.
Stay safe
Wherever you go make sure you read the latest government advise and follow all regulations for both the UK and the country you are travelling to. Pack masks and hand sanitiser and make sure you are prepared for all eventualities including in room lockdowns - so board games, books and iPads would be ideal hand luggage
This is a collaborative post
This is a collaborative post
